Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for a neutral atom of nickel (atomic number 28)?
3
views
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct ground state (shorthand) electron configuration for selenium (Se)?
A
[Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p4
B
[Kr] 4s2 3d10 4p4
C
[Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p6
D
[Ne] 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of selenium (Se), which is 34. This tells us selenium has 34 electrons to place in its electron configuration.
Recall the order of filling electron orbitals based on the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, and so on.
Determine the noble gas core that comes before selenium to use in shorthand notation. The noble gas before selenium is argon (Ar), which has 18 electrons.
Write the electron configuration starting from [Ar], then add the electrons in the 4s, 3d, and 4p orbitals to reach a total of 34 electrons. This means adding 2 electrons in 4s, 10 electrons in 3d, and 4 electrons in 4p orbitals.
Verify that the total number of electrons adds up to 34 and that the configuration follows the correct order and filling rules, confirming the shorthand configuration as [Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p4.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations