Identify the period and group of the element that has the electron configuration 1s22s22p63s23p3.

a. period 2, group 2A

b. period 3, group 1A

c. period 3, group 3A

d. period 3, group 5A

The answer is D

The electrons are found on three shells (hence period 3) and on the third shell there are (2 + 3) electrons hence group 5A. Also, the element is Phosphorous (P)

Period 3, Group 5A or P ... use your periodic table to count. When I first learned this I colored the S group the P group, D and F groups different colors. Group 1 A and Group 2 A are S. Groups 3A to 8A are P. The B's or transition metals are D And the lanthanide series and actinide series are F. Then count left to right.