Give four characteristics of `s`-block elements.

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of S-Block Elements**:
- S-block elements are those elements in which the outermost electrons are in the s orbital. This includes Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) of the periodic table.

2. **General Electronic Configuration**:
- The general electronic configuration for s-block elements is \( ns^1 \) to \( ns^2 \), where \( n \) can be from 1 to 7. This indicates that they have one or two electrons in their outermost shell.

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