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Atomic Structure

The s-, p-, d- and f-blocks of the Periodic Table

  • 3 things to know
  • Unit AS 1

Overview

Recall questions on what determines an element's block, which groups make up the s- and p-blocks, where the d- and f-blocks sit, classifying magnesium, bromine and iron, why helium is placed in Group 0, and how block relates to position in a period.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What determines the block to which an element belongs?

Key term

Which groups make up the s-block?

Key term

Which groups make up the p-block?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What determines the block to which an element belongs?

    Model answer

    An element belongs to the block named after the subshell that receives the last electron added under the building up principle.

  2. 2

    Which groups make up the s-block?

    Model answer

    The s-block consists of Groups I and II, the elements whose outer electrons are in an s subshell.

  3. 3

    Which groups make up the p-block?

    Model answer

    The p-block runs from Group III across to Group 0, excluding helium, and covers the elements filling a p subshell.

  4. 4

    Where in the Periodic Table is the d-block found?

    Model answer

    The d-block is the set of ten columns between Group II and Group III, beginning with scandium in Period 4.

  5. 5

    Which elements make up the f-block?

    Model answer

    The f-block consists of the lanthanides and the actinides, usually printed as two rows below the main table.

  6. 6

    Classify magnesium by block and justify the classification.

    Model answer

    Magnesium is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s², so its outermost electron enters an s subshell and it is an s-block element.

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