Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for the Y^{3+} ion?
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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 the Al^{3+} ion?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^1
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^5
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of aluminum (Al), which is 13. This means a neutral Al atom has 13 electrons.
Write the electron configuration for neutral Al: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^1$.
Recognize that the Al$^{3+}$ ion has lost 3 electrons compared to the neutral atom, so it has 10 electrons.
Remove electrons starting from the highest energy level (the outermost shell), which are the 3p and 3s electrons, until 3 electrons are removed.
Write the electron configuration for Al$^{3+}$ with 10 electrons, which corresponds to the configuration of the noble gas neon: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6$.
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