Welcome to our exploration of the periodic table blocks. The periodic table is organized into blocks based on which type of atomic orbital is being filled with electrons. Today we will focus on the p, d, and f blocks, which contain most of the elements we encounter in chemistry.
The p-block elements are located on the right side of the periodic table, spanning groups thirteen through eighteen. These elements have their outermost electrons in p orbitals, with the general electronic configuration of n s squared n p one through six. The p-block includes diverse families like the boron family, carbon family, nitrogen family, chalcogens, halogens, and noble gases.
The d-block elements, also known as transition metals, occupy the middle section of the periodic table from groups three to twelve. Their electronic configuration follows the pattern of n minus one d one through ten, n s one through two, where the last electron enters a d orbital. These metals exhibit unique properties including variable oxidation states, formation of colored compounds, catalytic activity, and paramagnetic behavior.
The f-block elements, known as inner transition metals, are placed at the bottom of the periodic table in two separate rows. These elements have their outermost electrons in f orbitals with the configuration n minus two f one through fourteen. The f-block consists of two series: the lanthanides or four f series from cerium to lutetium, and the actinides or five f series from thorium to lawrencium. Lanthanides are chemically similar and often called rare earth elements, while actinides are mostly radioactive.
To summarize what we have learned about the p, d, and f blocks: The p-block spans groups thirteen to eighteen and includes diverse elements from metals to noble gases. The d-block contains transition metals known for their variable oxidation states and catalytic properties. The f-block consists of inner transition metals including lanthanides and actinides. Understanding these blocks and their electronic configurations is fundamental to predicting chemical behavior and properties.