Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the correct electron configuration for a neutral atom of nickel (atomic number 28)?
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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 boron atom?
A
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑↓
B
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑ 2p: ↑↓
C
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p:
D
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the total number of electrons in a neutral boron atom. Boron has an atomic number of 5, so it has 5 electrons.
Step 2: Fill the orbitals in order of increasing energy using the Aufbau principle. The order is 1s, then 2s, then 2p.
Step 3: Fill the 1s orbital first with 2 electrons (paired spins), then fill the 2s orbital with 2 electrons (also paired spins). This accounts for 4 electrons.
Step 4: Place the remaining 1 electron in the 2p orbital. According to Hund's rule, electrons occupy degenerate orbitals singly before pairing, so this electron will be unpaired in one of the 2p orbitals.
Step 5: Represent the electron configuration in the orbital diagram as: 1s: ↑↓, 2s: ↑↓, 2p: ↑, which matches the correct answer.
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