3.1 p-Block Elements

  Periodic Table

• The elements of the periodic table in which the last electron gets filled up in the p-orbital, called p-block elements.
• A $p$-orbital can accommodate a maximum of six electrons. Therefore, p-block elements are divided into six groups which are $III A, IV A, V A, VI A, VII A \:and\: zero$ group.
• The general formulae of p-block elements are $n{s^2}n{p^{1 - 6}}$ (where n=2 to 6).
• The zero group elements having general formula $ns^2p^6$ are inert because their energy levels are fully filled.
• The total number of p block elements in the periodic table is 30 (excluding He).
• There are nine gaseous elements$ (Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn, F_2, Cl_2, O_2,\: and\: N_2)$ belonging to $p$-block. Gallium $(Ga)$ and bromine $(Br)$ are liquids.
• The step-like thick lines drawn in the periodic table in the p-block divides elements into metals, non-metals, and metalloids.