Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the correct ground-state electron configuration for a neutral carbon atom?
4
views
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for titanium (Ti)?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 4d^2
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^4
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 3d^4
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of titanium (Ti), which is 22. This means Ti has 22 electrons to be placed in orbitals according to the Aufbau principle.
Recall the order of orbital filling based on increasing energy: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, then 3d.
Fill the orbitals in order until all 22 electrons are assigned: 1s^2 (2 electrons), 2s^2 (2 electrons), 2p^6 (6 electrons), 3s^2 (2 electrons), 3p^6 (6 electrons), 4s^2 (2 electrons), and then place the remaining electrons in 3d orbitals.
Since 2 + 2 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 2 = 20 electrons are accounted for before 3d, the remaining 2 electrons go into the 3d orbital, giving 3d^2.
Compare the given options with this configuration: the correct electron configuration for titanium is $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^2$.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations