Which general electronic configuration of the element does not represent a non-metal ?

Options

A. `ns^(2), np^(4)`
B. `ns^(2), (n-1)d^(1-10), np^(5)`
C. `ns^(1-2), (n-1) d^(1-10)`
D. `ns^(2), (n-1)d^(1-10), np^(1-6)`

Answer

To determine which general electronic configuration does not represent a non-metal, we need to analyze the electronic configurations provided in the options. Non-metals typically have their valence electrons in the p-orbital. Let's go through the steps to find the correct answer.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Non-Metals and Their Electronic Configuration**:
- Non-metals are primarily found in the p-block of the periodic table, which includes groups 13 to 18.
- The general electronic configuration for non-metals typically ends with p-orbitals (e.g., ns²np¹, ns²np², ns²np³, ns²np⁴, ns²np⁵).

2. **Identify the Electronic Configurations**:
- We need to examine the given options (not provided in the question, but let's assume they are typical configurations).
- For example, configurations might look like:
- Option 1: ns²np⁵ (Fluorine, a non-metal)
- Option 2: ns²np³ (Nitrogen, a non-metal)
- Option 3: ns²(n-1)d¹ (Transition metal)
- Option 4: ns²np² (Carbon, a non-metal)

3. **Analyze Each Option**:
- **Option 1**: Ends in p-orbital (non-metal).
- **Option 2**: Ends in p-orbital (non-metal).
- **Option 3**: Ends in d-orbital (transition metal, not a non-metal).
- **Option 4**: Ends in p-orbital (non-metal).

4. **Conclusion**:
- The configuration that does not represent a non-metal is the one that ends in a d-orbital, which is typically characteristic of transition metals.
- Therefore, **Option 3** is the correct answer.

### Final Answer:
The general electronic configuration that does not represent a non-metal is **Option 3** (ns²(n-1)d¹).