Elements with electronic configuration `ns^1` are known as

Options

A. Inert gases
B. Alkali metals
C. Transuranic elements
D. Halogons

Answer

To solve the question regarding the elements with the electronic configuration `ns^1`, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Electronic Configuration
The notation `ns^1` indicates that there is one electron in the outermost s orbital of the atom. The 'n' represents the principal quantum number, which can be any positive integer (1, 2, 3, ...), indicating the energy level of the electron.

### Step 2: Identify the Block of the Periodic Table
Elements with the electronic configuration `ns^1` belong to the s-block of the periodic table. The s-block consists of the first two groups of the periodic table: Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 2 (alkaline earth metals).

### Step 3: Classify the Elements
In the s-block:
- Group 1 elements have the electronic configuration `ns^1` (alkali metals).
- Group 2 elements have the electronic configuration `ns^2` (alkaline earth metals).

Since we are specifically looking for elements with the configuration `ns^1`, we focus on Group 1, which includes alkali metals like lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), etc.

### Step 4: Analyze the Options
Now let's analyze the provided options:
1. Inert gases
2. Alkaline earth metals
3. Transition metals
4. Halogens

From our classification, we see that:
- Inert gases do not have the configuration `ns^1`.
- Alkaline earth metals have the configuration `ns^2`.
- Transition metals do not have the configuration `ns^1`.
- Halogens do not have the configuration `ns^1`.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The only group that corresponds to the electronic configuration `ns^1` is the alkali metals.

Thus, the correct answer is **alkali metals**.