Question

The electronic configuration of an element is 2, 8, 8, 1. (i) State its group number and period number in the modern periodic table. (ii) State whether this element is a metal or a non-metal. Give reason for the justification of your answer in each case

Answer 1

1. Group is 1 as number of electrons in the valence or last shell determines the group. Period is 4 as there are 4 shells with electrons.
2. Metal
The element is present on the left side of the periodic table and metallic character decreases on moving from left to right.
The element contains one valence electron and it can have a full octet by donating its valence electron and forming a cation.
Metals lose electrons to form cations.