One of the blocks described in Model 3 is often referred to as the "s-block" and one of the blocks is often referred to as the " \(p\) -block". Identify each of these "blocks" and explain the significance of their names in terms of electron configurations.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The 's-block' includes Group 1 and 2 in the periodic table as the s orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons. The 'p-block' includes Groups 13 to 18, as the p orbital can hold a maximum of six electrons. Their names s-block and p-block represent the type of atomic orbital in which their outermost electrons reside, which determines their atomic structure and chemical properties.

Step by step solution

01

Identifying Blocks

The 's-block' includes Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) in the periodic table, and hydrogen and helium. The 'p-block' includes Groups 13 to 18, known as the main group elements.
02

Understanding Electron Configuration

Atoms in the 's-block' elements have their outermost, or valence, electrons in the s orbital. The s orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons. This is why there are two groups in the 's-block'. Atoms in the 'p-block' elements have their outermost electrons in the p orbital. The p orbital can hold a maximum of six electrons. This is why there are six groups in the 'p-block'.
03

Explaining the Significance

The names 's-block' and 'p-block' come from the type of orbital in which the outermost electrons reside. The 's' in 's-block' and 'p' in 'p-block' represent the type of atomic orbital. This shows the atomic structure and the chemical properties of the elements due to different electron configuration.

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