Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the energy levels of electrons in shells is correct?
4
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 represents the electron configuration of a sulfur atom (atomic number 16) in its ground state?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^4
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3d^4
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of sulfur, which is 16. This means a neutral sulfur atom has 16 electrons.
Recall the order in which electron orbitals are filled according to the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, and so on.
Distribute the 16 electrons into the orbitals following the order and the maximum number of electrons each orbital can hold: 1s (2), 2s (2), 2p (6), 3s (2), and 3p (6).
Sum the electrons as you fill each orbital until you reach 16 electrons. The last electrons will go into the 3p orbital, but since sulfur has 16 electrons, 3p will have 4 electrons.
Write the electron configuration by listing each filled orbital with its electron count: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^4$.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations