3.2.7

Periodic Trends: Blocks

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Periodic Table - Blocks

The periodic table can be organized into four sections. These are labeled s, p, d and f blocks.

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The s block

  • The two leftmost columns make up the s block.
    • This is called the s block because elements in it have all their valence electrons in s orbitals.
    • Note, Helium is also an s block element because it has the electron configuration 1s2.
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The p block

  • The six rightmost columns make up the p block.
    • This is called the p block because elements in the p block have a partially filled p sub-shell.
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The d block

  • The d block lies between the s and p blocks.
    • Elements in the d block have a partially filled d sub-shell.
    • Elements in the d block are often called transition metals.
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The f block

  • The f block is detached along the bottom of the periodic table.
    • Elements in the f block have a partially filled f sub-shell.
    • These elements are referred to as the lanthanides and the actinides (top and bottom row respectively).

Jump to other topics

1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

3Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.2Periodic Trends

3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.4Halogens

3.5Noble gases, group 18

3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.7Functional Group Chemistry

3.8Alkanes

3.9Alcohols

3.10Halogenoalkanes

4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

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