Chapter 16, Problem 91A

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The possible numbers of electrons in the outermost orbitals of p-block elements in the ground state needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

p-block has general electronic configuration ${\text{ns}}^{\text{2}}{\text{np}}^{\text{1}-\text{6}}$ and it ranges from group 13 to 18 in the periodic table.

Answer to Problem 91A

The number of electrons in the outermost orbitals of p-block ranges from 3 to 8.

Explanation of Solution

The general electronic configuration of p-block is ${\text{ns}}^{\text{2}}{\text{np}}^{\text{1}-\text{6}}$. The p-block ranges from group 13 to 18 and the number of valence electrons increases from group 13 to 18.

The possible numbers of electrons in the outermost orbitals of p-block elements in the ground state ranges from 3 to 8. The number of electrons depends on the group number of the element.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The possible numbers of electrons in the nitrogen-group elements in the ground state needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The periodic table consist of s-block, p-block, d-block, lanthanides and actinides. The elements in each block is placed considering the similarities in their valence shell electrons and properties.

Answer to Problem 91A

The possible numbers of electrons in thenitrogen-group elements in the ground state is 3.

Explanation of Solution

Group 15 is the nitrogen group in periodic table. The group 15 is located towards the right of the periodic table in the p-block. The elements in this group contains 3 electrons in their outermost p-shell.

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The possible numbers of electrons in the d-block elements in the ground state needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The periodic table consist of s-block, p-block, d-block, lanthanides and actinides. The elements in each block is placed considering the similarities in their valence shell electrons and properties.

Answer to Problem 91A

The elements in d-block can hold a maximum of 10 electrons in their outermost shell.

Explanation of Solution

The general electronic configuration of d-block elements is $\left(\text{n-1}\right){\text{d}}^{\text{1}-\text{10}}{\text{ns}}^{\text{1}-\text{2}}$. This block ranges from group 3 to 12. These are all transition elements.

The d-shell can hold maximum of 10 electrons.

(d)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The possible numbers of electrons in the noble-gas elements in the ground state needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The periodic table consist of s-block, p-block, d-block, lanthanides and actinides. The elements in each block is placed considering the similarities in their valence shell electrons and properties.

Answer to Problem 91A

The possible numbers of electrons in the noble-gas elements in the ground state is 6.

Explanation of Solution

Noble gases are placed in group 18 of the periodic table. Group 18 is located in the p-block. The noble-gas elements have filled orbitals.

The general electronic configuration of the valence shell in noble gases is ${\text{ns}}^{\text{2}}{\text{np}}^{\text{6}}$

Except for helium, all noble gases have 6 electrons in the outermost shell.

(e)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The possible numbers of electrons in the s-block elements in the ground state needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The periodic table consist of s-block, p-block, d-block, lanthanides and actinides. The elements in each block is placed considering the similarities in their valence shell electrons and properties.

Answer to Problem 91A

The possible numbers of electrons in thes-block elements in the ground state is either 1 or 2.

Explanation of Solution

Group 1 and group 2 are included in the s-block. The s-block elements have general configuration ${\text{ns}}^{1-2}$.

These elements hence have partially filled or filled s-orbitals. So, elements in the s-block have either 1 or 2 electrons.