Write the electronic configuration of aluminium (atomic number = 13) and predict its position in the modern periodic table.
Step-1: Introduction
The elements in 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 periodic table.
Step-2: Position of Aluminium
The elements are classified on the basis of electronic configuration. Aluminium () has 3 valence electrons in valence shell with atomic number 13 and belongs to boron family.
The number of valence shell = Number of period
So, the period of Aluminium is 3.
The number of valence electrons + 10 = Number of group
So, the group of Aluminium is 13.
Step-3: Configuration of Aluminium
Aluminium has 2 electrons in K-shell, 8 electrons in L-shell and 3 electrons in M-shell.
Electronic configuration of Aluminium = (2, 8, 3)
Final answer
The electronic configuration of Aluminium is (2, 8, 3) and its position is group 3 and period 3 in periodic table.