The elements which are characterised by the outer shell configuration `ns^(1)` to `n p^(6)` are colectively called

Options

A. Transition elements
B. Representative elements
C. Lanthanides
D. Inner transition elements

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the elements characterized by the outer shell configuration `ns^(1)` to `np^(6)`, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Configuration**:
- The notation `ns^(1)` indicates that there is one electron in the outermost s subshell. This corresponds to the elements in the s-block of the periodic table.
- The notation `np^(6)` indicates that there are six electrons in the outermost p subshell. This corresponds to the elements in the p-block of the periodic table.

2. **Identifying the Blocks**:
- The s-block elements include groups 1 and 2 of the periodic table, which are characterized by the outermost configuration of `ns^(1)` and `ns^(2)`.
- The p-block elements include groups 13 to 18, characterized by the outermost configuration of `np^(1)` to `np^(6)`.

3. **Collective Classification**:
- The elements that have outer shell configurations ranging from `ns^(1)` to `np^(6)` include all the elements from the s-block and p-block.
- Collectively, these elements are referred to as "representative elements" or "main group elements."

4. **Excluding Other Options**:
- Transition elements belong to the d-block and have configurations that include `n-1 d` and `ns` electrons.
- Lanthanides and actinides belong to the f-block and have configurations that include `n-2 f` and `ns` electrons.
- Therefore, the only correct classification for the elements with the given configurations is the representative elements.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Thus, the elements characterized by the outer shell configuration `ns^(1)` to `np^(6)` are collectively called **representative elements**.

### Final Answer:
The elements which are characterized by the outer shell configuration `ns^(1)` to `np^(6)` are collectively called **representative elements**.

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