Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the correct ground-state electron configuration for a neutral nitrogen atom?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following best describes an orbital diagram for the electron configuration of nitrogen (atomic number 7)?
A
Only one arrow in each box, with no pairing in 1s or 2s
B
Three arrows pointing up in three separate 2p boxes, with paired arrows in 1s and 2s boxes
C
Six arrows in the 2p boxes, all paired
D
All arrows paired in each box, including the 2p boxes
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that nitrogen has an atomic number of 7, meaning it has 7 electrons to place in orbitals according to the Aufbau principle.
Start filling the orbitals in order of increasing energy: 1s, 2s, then 2p. The 1s orbital can hold 2 electrons, the 2s orbital can hold 2 electrons, and the 2p orbitals can hold up to 6 electrons.
Place 2 electrons in the 1s orbital, both paired with opposite spins, since it can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
Place 2 electrons in the 2s orbital, also paired with opposite spins, filling it completely.
Distribute the remaining 3 electrons among the three 2p orbitals. According to Hund's rule, place one electron in each 2p orbital with parallel spins (all arrows pointing up) before any pairing occurs.
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