Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the correct electron configuration for a nitrogen atom (atomic number 7)?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following represents the correct electron configuration for a neutral atom of silicon?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^4
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^2
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^1
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of silicon, which is 14. This means a neutral silicon atom has 14 electrons.
Recall the order in which electron orbitals are filled according to the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, then 3p.
Distribute the 14 electrons into these orbitals following the maximum capacity of each: 1s can hold 2, 2s can hold 2, 2p can hold 6, 3s can hold 2, and 3p can hold 6 electrons.
Sum the electrons in the orbitals stepwise until you reach 14 electrons: 1s^2 (2 electrons), 2s^2 (2 electrons), 2p^6 (6 electrons), 3s^2 (2 electrons), and then place the remaining electrons in 3p orbitals.
Determine the number of electrons in the 3p orbital by subtracting the electrons already assigned (2 + 2 + 6 + 2 = 12) from 14, which gives 2 electrons in 3p, leading to the configuration 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^2.
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