Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the partial energy level diagram for a hydrogen atom?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following represents the correct orbital diagram for a neutral nickel atom (atomic number 28)?
A
1s↑↓ 2s↑↓ 2p↑↓↑↓↑↓ 3s↑↓ 3p↑↓↑↓↑↓ 4s↑ 3d↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓
B
1s↑↓ 2s↑↓ 2p↑↓↑↓↑↓ 3s↑↓ 3p↑↓↑↓↑↓ 3d↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓ 4s↑↓
C
1s↑↓ 2s↑↓ 2p↑↓↑↓↑↓ 3s↑↓ 3p↑↓↑↓↑↓ 4s↑↓ 3d↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓↑↓
D
1s↑↓ 2s↑↓ 2p↑↓↑↓↑↓ 3s↑↓ 3p↑↓↑↓↑↓ 4s↑↓ 3d↑↓↑↓↑↓↑
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the electron configuration of a neutral nickel atom (atomic number 28). Nickel has 28 electrons, so write the configuration by filling orbitals in order of increasing energy: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, then 3d.
Recall the order of filling orbitals: electrons fill the 4s orbital before the 3d orbitals because 4s is lower in energy initially. So, after filling 3p, the next electrons go into 4s, then 3d.
Write the electron configuration explicitly: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d⁸. This accounts for all 28 electrons.
Translate this configuration into an orbital diagram by representing each orbital with boxes and electrons with arrows. Each orbital can hold two electrons with opposite spins (↑↓). For 4s, there should be two electrons (↑↓), and for 3d, there should be eight electrons distributed according to Hund's rule (maximize unpaired electrons before pairing).
Compare the given options with the correct orbital diagram you constructed. The correct diagram will have 4s fully filled (↑↓) before 3d orbitals, and 3d orbitals will have eight electrons arranged with proper spin according to Hund's rule.
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