Which block of the periodic table contains elements with the general electronic configuration `(n-2)f^(1-14) (n-1)d^(0-1)ns^(2)?`

Options

A. s-block
B. p-block
C. d-block
D. f-block

Answer

To determine which block of the periodic table contains elements with the general electronic configuration `(n-2)f^(1-14) (n-1)d^(0-1)ns^(2)`, we can analyze the given configuration step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Electronic Configuration**:
The given electronic configuration is `(n-2)f^(1-14) (n-1)d^(0-1)ns^(2)`. This indicates that the elements have electrons filling the f subshell, the d subshell, and the s subshell.

2. **Identify the Components**:
- `(n-2)f^(1-14)`: This part indicates that the f subshell can hold between 1 to 14 electrons. This is characteristic of the lanthanides and actinides, which are f-block elements.
- `(n-1)d^(0-1)`: This indicates that the d subshell can have either 0 or 1 electron. This suggests that the elements can also have d-block characteristics.
- `ns^(2)`: This indicates that there are 2 electrons in the outermost s subshell, which is typical for both s-block and d-block elements.

3. **Determine the Block**:
- The presence of the `(n-2)f` configuration indicates that we are dealing with f-block elements. The f-block consists of the lanthanides (elements 57-71) and actinides (elements 89-103).
- The `(n-1)d` and `ns^(2)` configurations suggest that these elements can also have some characteristics of d-block elements, but the defining feature here is the f-block configuration.

4. **Conclusion**:
Based on the analysis, the block of the periodic table that contains elements with the general electronic configuration `(n-2)f^(1-14) (n-1)d^(0-1)ns^(2)` is the **f-block**.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **f-block**.