Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct orbital diagram for a neutral carbon atom?
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 electron configuration for the Li^+ ion?
A
1s^2 2s^1
B
1s^2 2s^2
C
1s^2
D
1s^1
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom or ion's orbitals, following the Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle, and Hund's rule.
Determine the number of electrons in the neutral lithium (Li) atom. Lithium has an atomic number of 3, so it has 3 electrons in its neutral state.
Since the problem asks for the electron configuration of the Li^+ ion, recognize that Li^+ has lost one electron compared to neutral Li, so it has 2 electrons.
Write the electron configuration for 2 electrons, filling the lowest energy orbitals first, which is the 1s orbital.
Conclude that the electron configuration for Li^+ is $1s^2$, because both electrons occupy the 1s orbital after losing the 2s electron.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations