Multiple Choice
In an atom, where are the electrons with the highest energy typically located?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following is the correct abbreviated electron configuration for silicon (Si)?
A
[Ne] 3s2 3p4
B
[Ar] 3s2 3p2
C
[Ne] 3s2 3p2
D
[He] 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p2
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the atomic number of silicon (Si), which is 14. This tells us silicon has 14 electrons to place in orbitals.
Step 2: Recall the order of filling electron orbitals according to the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, etc.
Step 3: Write the full electron configuration for silicon by filling orbitals up to 14 electrons: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p2.
Step 4: Use the noble gas shorthand notation by replacing the configuration of the previous noble gas with its symbol. The noble gas before silicon is neon (Ne), which has 10 electrons: 1s2 2s2 2p6.
Step 5: Write the abbreviated electron configuration for silicon as $[Ne] 3s^2 3p^2$, which correctly accounts for the remaining 4 electrons beyond neon.
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