Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct ground-state electron configuration for a neutral lead (Pb) atom?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which element has the electron configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1?
A
Sodium (Na)
B
Magnesium (Mg)
C
Aluminum (Al)
D
Neon (Ne)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the total number of electrons in the given electron configuration: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1$. Add the electrons in each subshell: $2 + 2 + 6 + 1$.
Calculate the sum of electrons to find the atomic number, which corresponds to the element's position on the periodic table.
Recall that the atomic number equals the number of protons and electrons in a neutral atom, so the element with this electron configuration has an atomic number equal to the total electrons counted.
Match the atomic number to the element: use the periodic table to find which element has this atomic number.
Confirm that the element with this atomic number is Sodium (Na), which has an atomic number of 11, matching the total electrons in the configuration.
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