Final answer:
Representative elements are located in groups 1, 2, and 12-18 of the periodic table. They are characterized by having their s and p orbitals filling with electrons and include metals, metalloids, and nonmetals with varying properties like conductivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The “representative elements” are found in certain groups on the periodic table. Groups 1, 2, and 12-18 contain the representative elements, where the s and p orbitals are in the process of filling with electrons. These elements include metals, metalloids, and nonmetals, each with distinct properties.
The metals tend to have a high ability to conduct heat and electricity due to their capacity to lose valence electrons. Specific examples of representative metals include the highly reactive alkali metals (group 1) and the alkaline earth metals (group 2), which are slightly less reactive. Additionally, group 12 metals like zinc, cadmium, and mercury usually show a +2 oxidation state.