What is the common feature of the electronic configuration of the element at the end of a periodic table, is it likely to be a metal or nonmetal.
Step-1: Introduction
The elements in the periodic table are placed in periods and groups. Periods are horizontal rows that has increasing atomic numbers. Groups are vertical columns. The groups have similar chemical properties. There are 7 periods and 18 groups in the periodic table.
The elemental classification in the periodic table long-form is electronic configuration.
Step-2: Character of elements
In the periodic table, group 1, and 2 are metals, group 17, 18 are non-metals, middle groups are transition metals and zig-zag line along the group 13 to 16 are metalloids.
As atomic number increases, metallic character along a period decreases.
The non-metallic character is higher on the extreme right of the periodic table. Group 17 elements are halogens while group 18 are noble gases. Halogens and noble gases have the greatest non-metallic character.
The electrons are completely filled in group 18. It possesses a non-metallic character and is unreactive.
Final answer
Therefore, the common feature of the electronic configuration of the element at the end of a periodic table is likely to be non-metal with completely filled electrons.