Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for a neutral sodium (Na) atom?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for Mg?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3p^2
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3d^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the atomic number of magnesium (Mg), which is 12. This means Mg has 12 electrons to arrange in its electron configuration.
Step 2: Recall the order of filling electron orbitals based on the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, and so on.
Step 3: Fill the orbitals with electrons following the order and the maximum number of electrons each orbital can hold: 1s (2 electrons), 2s (2 electrons), 2p (6 electrons), 3s (2 electrons).
Step 4: Sum the electrons as you fill: 1s^2 (2 electrons), 2s^2 (2 electrons), 2p^6 (6 electrons), and 3s^2 (2 electrons) to reach a total of 12 electrons.
Step 5: Confirm that the electron configuration for Mg is $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2$, which correctly accounts for all 12 electrons in the proper order.
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