An element has the electronic configuration 2, 8, 4. It will be classified as:

• (A) Metal
• (B) non-metal
• (C) metalloid
• (D) none of these

To classify the element with the electronic configuration of 2, 8, 4, we need to analyze its position in the periodic table based on its electron arrangement. The configuration indicates that there are 14 electrons in total, which corresponds to the element silicon (Si) in the periodic table.

Understanding the Electronic Configuration

The electronic configuration 2, 8, 4 can be broken down as follows:

• The first shell holds 2 electrons.
• The second shell holds 8 electrons.
• The third shell holds 4 electrons.

This configuration suggests that the element has a total of 14 electrons, placing it in the third period and the fourth group of the periodic table.

Classification of the Element

Now, let's determine whether this element is a metal, non-metal, or metalloid:

• Metals: Typically, metals are found on the left side of the periodic table and tend to lose electrons easily, forming positive ions.
• Non-metals: Non-metals are located on the right side and generally gain electrons to form negative ions.
• Metalloids: These elements exhibit properties of both metals and non-metals and are found along the zig-zag line on the periodic table.

Identifying the Element

Silicon, with its 14 electrons, is located in group 14 of the periodic table. It has properties that are characteristic of metalloids. For example, silicon can conduct electricity but not as well as metals, and it can form covalent bonds like non-metals.

Final Classification

Given these properties, the element with the electronic configuration 2, 8, 4 is best classified as a metalloid. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is (C) metalloid.