To determine the correct statement regarding the element with the electronic configuration 2, 8, 1, we can follow these steps:
### Step 1: Identify the Element
The electronic configuration 2, 8, 1 indicates that the element has:
- 2 electrons in the first shell
- 8 electrons in the second shell
- 1 electron in the outermost shell (third shell)
This configuration corresponds to sodium (Na), which is in Group 1 of the periodic table.
### Step 2: Determine the Valency
Valency refers to the combining capacity of an element, which is determined by the number of electrons in the outermost shell.
- Since sodium has 1 electron in its outermost shell, it tends to lose that electron to achieve a stable electronic configuration (similar to neon).
- Therefore, the valency of sodium is 1.
### Step 3: Evaluate the Statements
Now, we need to evaluate the given statements:
1. **The valency of the element is 7.**
- This statement is **false** because the valency is 1, not 7.
2. **The element exists as a triatomic molecule.**
- A triatomic molecule consists of three atoms. Sodium, with a valency of 1, typically forms diatomic molecules or ionic compounds, not triatomic ones. This statement is **false**.
3. **The element is a metalloid.**
- Sodium is classified as a metal, not a metalloid. Therefore, this statement is **false**.
4. **The element forms basic oxides.**
- Sodium, being a metal, forms basic oxides (like sodium oxide, Na2O). This statement is **true**.
### Conclusion
The correct statement is that the element forms basic oxides.
### Final Answer
The correct answer is: **The element forms basic oxides.**
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