Multiple Choice
How many electrons are present in the third energy level (n = 3) of a neutral silicon (Si) atom?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following orbital diagrams correctly represents oxygen having six valence electrons?
A
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓
B
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑↓ ↑ ↑
C
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑
D
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑ ↑ ↑
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the total number of valence electrons for oxygen. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons, which are the electrons in the 2s and 2p orbitals.
Recall the order of filling orbitals: first fill the 2s orbital with 2 electrons (paired spins), then fill the 2p orbitals with the remaining 4 electrons.
Apply Hund's rule to the 2p orbitals: electrons fill degenerate orbitals singly with parallel spins before pairing up. This means place one electron in each of the three 2p orbitals before pairing any.
Distribute the 4 electrons in the 2p orbitals accordingly: place one electron in each of the three 2p orbitals, then add the fourth electron to pair up in one of the orbitals.
Verify the orbital diagram matches this distribution: 1s and 2s orbitals fully paired (↑↓), and 2p orbitals showing two electrons paired in one orbital (↑↓) and one electron each in the other two orbitals (↑ and ↑).
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