Question

In your own words, explain why each of the filler blocks (s,p,d,f) on the periodic chart have their characteristic width(number) of groups.

Answer 1

Answer:

Each of the four blocks of the periodic table is the collection of elements that have common valence orbitals, or that their valence are found in one of the four orbitals with azimuthal quantum number 0, 1, 2, or 3 which corresponds to the shape (s), principal (p), diffuse (d), or fundamental (f) orbitals respectively

The maximum number of electrons in the s-orbital = 2 electrons

The maximum number of electrons in the p-orbital = 6 electrons

The maximum number of electrons in the d-block = 10 electrons

The maximum number of electrons in the f-orbital = 14 electrons

Therefore, given that the elements of the within each of the blocks have their valence electron in the corresponding orbital in which they are located on the periodic table, given the periodic nature of the periodic table, the width of each block of elements corresponds to the maximum number of elements that can be found in their valence orbital.

Therefore, we have;

The width of the s-block elements = 2 block units

The width of the p-block elements = 6 block units

The width of the d-block elements = 10 block units

The width of the f-block elements = 14 block units

Explanation: