**The Maximum Number of Elements in the p-Block of a Period**

The p-block of the periodic table consists of elements from groups 13 to 18, which are located on the right side of the table. The maximum number of elements in the p-block of a period can be determined by understanding the arrangement of electrons in the atomic orbitals.

**1. Electron Configuration of p-Block Elements:**
The p-block elements have electrons filling the p orbitals of their outermost energy level (valence shell). The p orbitals can hold a maximum of 6 electrons (2 electrons in each orbital: px, py, pz).

**2. Periodic Table Structure:**
The periodic table is arranged in periods (rows) and groups (columns). Each period corresponds to a specific energy level (n) and can accommodate a maximum number of orbitals.

**3. Maximum Number of Elements in p-Block:**
In a period, the number of elements in the p-block is determined by the number of available p orbitals. As mentioned earlier, each p orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons. Therefore, the maximum number of elements in the p-block of a period is equal to the number of p orbitals available in that period.

**4. Distribution of p Orbitals:**
The distribution of p orbitals in each period is as follows:
- Period 2: 2p
- Period 3: 3p
- Period 4: 4p
- Period 5: 5p
- Period 6: 6p
- Period 7: 7p

**5. Maximum Number of Elements in Each p-Block:**
Based on the distribution of p orbitals, we can determine the maximum number of elements in each p-block:
- Period 2: 3 elements (2p)
- Period 3: 6 elements (3p)
- Period 4: 6 elements (4p)
- Period 5: 6 elements (5p)
- Period 6: 6 elements (6p)
- Period 7: 6 elements (7p)

**6. Explanation and Example:**
Let's take the example of period 3. The 3p sublevel has three p orbitals (px, py, pz), and each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons. Therefore, the maximum number of elements in the 3p block is 3 (3 orbitals × 2 electrons/orbital = 6 electrons). The actual elements in the 3p block are boron (B), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), fluorine (F), and neon (Ne) – a total of 6 elements.

**In conclusion,** the maximum number of elements in the p-block of a period is determined by the number of available p orbitals. Each p orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, and the number of elements in the p-block is equal to the number of p orbitals in that period. The maximum number of elements in the p-block varies from period to period, ranging from 3 to 6 elements.