Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the correct orbital diagram for a neutral nickel atom (atomic number 28)?
2
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 represents the correct electron configuration for a neutral atom of nickel (atomic number 28)?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 3d^{10} 4s^2
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^8
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^6
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^1 3d^9
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of nickel, which is 28. This means a neutral nickel atom has 28 electrons to be placed in orbitals according to the Aufbau principle.
Recall the order of orbital filling based on increasing energy levels: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, then 3d. Electrons fill lower energy orbitals first before moving to higher ones.
Start filling the orbitals with electrons: 1s can hold 2 electrons, 2s holds 2, 2p holds 6, 3s holds 2, 3p holds 6, and 4s holds 2. Add these up to see how many electrons are placed so far.
After filling the 4s orbital with 2 electrons, place the remaining electrons in the 3d orbital. Since nickel has 28 electrons, subtract the electrons already placed in lower orbitals from 28 to find how many go into 3d.
Write the full electron configuration by combining all filled orbitals with their electron counts, ensuring the total adds up to 28 electrons and follows the correct order: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, then 3d.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations