Periodic table block

A block of the periodic table of elements is a set of adjacent groups. The respective highest-energy electrons in each element in a block belong to the same atomic orbital type. Each block is named after its characteristic orbital; thus, the blocks are:

• s-block
• p-block
• d-block
• f-block
• g-block (no elements belonging to the g-block have been observed)

Additional recommended knowledge

How to ensure accurate weighing results every day?

Weighing the right way

Daily Visual Balance Check

The block names (s, p, d, f, g, h,...) are derived from the quality of the spectroscopic lines of the associated atomic orbitals: sharp, principal, diffuse and fundamental, the rest being named in alphabetical order.