Multiple Choice
How many unpaired electrons are present in a neutral neon (Ne) atom?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for tin (Sn)?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^10 4p^6 5s^2 4d^10 5p^2
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^10 4p^6 5s^2 4d^10 5p^4
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^10 4p^6 5s^2 5p^4
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^10 4p^6 5s^2 4d^8 5p^4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of tin (Sn), which is 50. This tells us that tin has 50 electrons to place in its electron configuration.
Recall the order of filling orbitals according to the Aufbau principle, which is: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, and so on.
Start filling the orbitals with electrons following the order and the maximum number of electrons each subshell can hold: s (2 electrons), p (6 electrons), d (10 electrons).
Count the electrons as you fill each subshell until you reach 50 electrons total. This will give you the full electron configuration for tin.
Compare the resulting configuration with the given options to find the one that matches the correct distribution of 50 electrons, ensuring the correct number of electrons in each subshell.
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