Chapter 6 Question 34 - AlgorithmicThe element that has a valence configuration of 3s2 3p6 is .- Choices:ArRnKrNeXe

We have to remember the rules to determine to which period and which group belongs an element, depending on its electronic configuration:

We always have to see the last level of energy, in this case is 3 (the highest number in the electronic configuration). It determines the period (the horizontal lines)

Now, we have to see the last letter which is with the 3, in this case the letter is p. It determines that the element is part of the A groups of the periodic table, also called the representative groups. In case of ending in d, it means that the element belongs to the transition metals. And trhe last possibility is ending in f, it means that the element belongs to the lanthanides and actinides.

The last thing, is to add up the valence electrons. Those are the ones in the last energy level, that as we mentioned before, it is 3 in this case. So, we have to add up, the exponents of the different letters that are in the last energy level. In this particular case, are the 2 and the 6, which is equal to 8.

So, we have to search in the periodic table, the element which is in the period 3, group VIII A. If we go, we will find it is the argon (Ar)

the answer to your question is c