Assignment of position in the periodic table:
The position of an element in the periodic table is determined from its outer electronic configuration, which gives information about its period, group, and block.
(i) Outer electronic configuration: ns2 np4, n = 3
Given configuration:
3s2 3p4
• The highest value of n is 3, so the element belongs to the 3rd period.
• The last electron enters the p-subshell, so it belongs to the p-block.
• Number of valence electrons = 2 + 4 = 6, so it belongs to Group 16.
Position: 3rd period, Group 16, p-block
Element: Sulphur (S)
(ii) Outer electronic configuration: (n − 1)d2 ns2, n = 4
Given configuration:
3d2 4s2
• The highest value of n is 4, so the element belongs to the 4th period.
• The last electron enters the d-subshell, so it belongs to the d-block.
• Group number = (number of d electrons + number of s electrons)
= 2 + 2 = 4.
Position: 4th period, Group 4, d-block
Element: Titanium (Ti)
(iii) Outer electronic configuration: (n − 2)f7 (n − 1)d1 ns2, n = 6
Given configuration:
4f7 5d1 6s2
• The highest value of n is 6, so the element belongs to the 6th period.
• The presence of f-electrons indicates that the element belongs to the f-block.
• Elements with 4f electrons are lanthanides.
Position: 6th period, f-block (lanthanide series)
Element: Gadolinium (Gd)
Conclusion:
Thus, the positions of the given elements in the periodic table can be correctly assigned using their electronic configurations.