On the basis of electronic configuration, elements in the modern periodic table are classified into four blocks: s-block, p-block, dblock and f-block.
s-block:
i. Groups 1 and 2 elements are included in s-block.
ii. These elements contain 1 or 2 electrons in their outermost shell.
iii. All these elements are metals (except hydrogen).
p-block:
i. Groups 13 to 17 and group 18 (zero group) elements are included in p-block.
ii. These elements contain 3 to 8 electrons in their outermost shell.
iii. Group-18 elements have completed outermost shell. They are called inert elements or noble elements. Elements of Group-18 are gases.
iv. p-block contains all types of elements, i.e., metals, non-metals and metalloids.
d-block:
i. Group 3 to Group 12 elements are included in d-block.
ii. These elements are known as transition elements.
iii. These elements have two incomplete outermost shells.
iv. All these elements are metals
f-block:
i. Elements placed at the bottom of the periodic table i.e. lanthanides and actinides are called f-block elements.
ii. They have three incomplete outermost shells.
iii. They are called inner transition elements.
iv. All these elements are metals. The position of the four blocks in the periodic table is as follows:
