Looking at the shape of the periodic table reveals that rows 2 and 3 are split into two sections.
These sections (which also also extend into rows 4 - 6) are known as blocks.
The number of groups in the blocks of the periodic table correspond to the maximum number of electrons in the subshells.
Groups 1 and 2 are known as s block.
Groups to are known as p block,
You will learn about d-orbitals and d-block in more advanced chemistry courses.
The reason for that s-block is called s-block is that the outer (highest energy) electrons in the elements in this block are in s orbitals.
Similarly, the outer (highest energy) electrons in the elements in p-block are in p-orbitals.
These sections (which also also extend into rows 4 - 6) are known as blocks.
The number of groups in the blocks of the periodic table correspond to the maximum number of electrons in the subshells.
Groups 1 and 2 are known as s block.
Groups to are known as p block,
You will learn about d-orbitals and d-block in more advanced chemistry courses.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| 1 H |  | ||||||||||||||||
s-block | p-block | ||||||||||||||||
| d-block | |||||||||||||||||
The reason for that s-block is called s-block is that the outer (highest energy) electrons in the elements in this block are in s orbitals.
Similarly, the outer (highest energy) electrons in the elements in p-block are in p-orbitals.