Which of the following elements is placed in the d‑block of the periodic table?

Step-by-step solution

1. Identify the block by looking at the valence‑electron configuration.
2. Sc (Z=21) has configuration $[Ar]3d^{1}4s^2$, i.e. electrons enter the $(n-1)d$ subshell, which defines a d‑block element.
3. Y (Z=39) has configuration $[Kr]4d^{1}5s^2$ but it is placed in the f‑block series (the d‑block of period 5 starts with Nb).
4. La (Z=57) and Lu (Z=71) belong to the lanthanide series (f‑block).
5. Therefore the only d‑block element among the options is Scandium.

Concept tested: Identification of d‑block element

Published 6 September 2026 · How this solution was prepared and checked