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Multiple Choice
Which of the following elements has an electron configuration of [Kr] 5s^2?
A
Strontium
B
Rubidium
C
Calcium
D
Barium
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the notation [Kr] 5s^2. The symbol [Kr] represents the electron configuration of the noble gas krypton, which is a shorthand for the inner electrons. The configuration 5s^2 means there are two electrons in the 5s orbital beyond krypton's configuration.
Step 2: Recall the position of krypton (Kr) in the periodic table. Krypton has an atomic number of 36, so the next elements after krypton will start filling the 5s orbital.
Step 3: Identify the elements that come after krypton and their electron configurations. The element with configuration [Kr] 5s^1 is rubidium (Rb), and the element with configuration [Kr] 5s^2 is strontium (Sr).
Step 4: Compare the given options: Rubidium (Rb), Calcium (Ca), Barium (Ba), and Strontium (Sr). Calcium has the configuration [Ar] 4s^2, which is before krypton, and barium has the configuration [Xe] 6s^2, which is after strontium.
Step 5: Conclude that the element with the electron configuration [Kr] 5s^2 is strontium (Sr), as it directly follows krypton and has two electrons in the 5s orbital.