Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the electron configuration of an oxygen atom in the ground state?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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What is the primary difference between the 1s and the 2s orbitals?
A
The 2s orbital has a higher energy and is located farther from the nucleus than the 1s orbital.
B
The 2s orbital has a different shape compared to the 1s orbital.
C
The 1s orbital can hold more electrons than the 2s orbital.
D
The 1s orbital is found only in elements with atomic number greater than 2.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that orbitals are regions around the nucleus where electrons are likely to be found, and they are characterized by their principal quantum number (n) and shape.
Recognize that the 1s orbital corresponds to the principal quantum number n=1, and the 2s orbital corresponds to n=2.
Recall that as the principal quantum number increases, the orbital is generally larger and the electron is found farther from the nucleus, which also means the orbital has higher energy.
Note that both 1s and 2s orbitals have spherical shapes, so their shapes are similar, but the 2s orbital is larger and has a radial node, which the 1s orbital does not have.
Conclude that the primary difference is that the 2s orbital has higher energy and is located farther from the nucleus than the 1s orbital.
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