Multiple Choice
Which of the following is true about the electron configurations of the noble gases?
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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 sulfur (atomic number 16)?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^5
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^2
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of sulfur, which is 16. This means sulfur has 16 electrons in its neutral state.
Recall the order in which electron orbitals are filled according to the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, and so on.
Fill the orbitals with electrons 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.
Add the electrons in order until you reach 16 total electrons: 2 in 1s, 2 in 2s, 6 in 2p, 2 in 3s, and the remaining 4 in 3p.
Write the electron configuration as $1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{4}$, which correctly represents sulfur's electron distribution.
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