An element, Y has the electronic configuration of 1s\(^2\) 2s\(^2\) 2p\(^6\) 3s\(^2\) 3p\(^3\),

Explanation

The question is asking about an element called Y and providing its electronic configuration. The electronic configuration of an element shows how its electrons are distributed in different energy levels and orbitals. The configuration of Y is 1s\(^2\) 2s\(^2\) 2p\(^6\) 3s\(^2\) 3p\(^3\), meaning that it has two electrons in the first energy level, eight electrons in the second energy level, and five electrons in the third energy level. The question then provides four options, and we are asked to choose the correct one. Option A states that Y is a period III element, and this is the correct answer. The periodic table is organized in such a way that elements with similar chemical and physical properties are placed in the same rows called periods. Y belongs to the third period because it has electrons in the third energy level. Option B states that Y contains three electrons in the outer shell, but this is incorrect. The outer shell of an atom refers to the highest energy level, and in the case of Y, the outer shell contains five electrons. Option C states that Y is a transition metal, but this is also incorrect. Transition metals are elements that have partially filled d orbitals, and Y does not have any d electrons in its configuration. Option D states that Y can engage in bonding with the s and p orbitals, and while this is generally true for most elements, it is not specific to Y and does not provide any additional information about the element. In summary, the correct answer to the question is Option A, which states that Y is a period III element because it has electrons in the third energy level.