Chapter 6, Problem 57A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The connection between the electronic configuration of elements and their position in the periodic table is to be explained.

Concept Introduction :

The electron configuration of an element defines how its electrons are arranged throughout its atomic orbitals. Standard notation is used to represent atomic electron configurations, placing all electron-containing atomic subshells in sequential order. The number of electrons held by the subshell is indicated by superscript.

Explanation of Solution

The number of electrons present in the outermost shell determines the group and the number of shells in the electronic configuration determines the period of the element.

For example, the atomic number of Mg is 12, and its electronic configuration is,

  $2,8,2$

The outermost shell has 2 electrons, so it belongs to group 2. No. of shells is 3, so it belongs to period 3.