Multiple Choice
Which of the following electron configurations would you expect to belong to a reactive nonmetal?
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 antimony (Sb)?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^3
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^1
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^6
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^5
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of antimony (Sb), which is 51. This means Sb has 51 electrons to be placed in orbitals according to the Aufbau principle.
Recall the order of filling orbitals based on increasing energy levels: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, and so on.
Fill the orbitals with electrons following the order, making sure to respect the maximum number of electrons per orbital type: s (2), p (6), d (10). Continue until all 51 electrons are assigned.
After filling up to 4d^{10} (which accounts for 46 electrons), place the remaining 5 electrons in the 5p orbital, since it can hold up to 6 electrons.
Write the full electron configuration by combining all filled orbitals with their respective electron counts, ensuring the last part corresponds to 5p^{3} for antimony.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations