Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for a neutral carbon atom?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which electron configuration represents the element carbon (atomic number 6)?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^4
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^2
C
1s^2 2s^2 3s^2
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of carbon, which is 6. This means a neutral carbon atom has 6 electrons.
Recall that electron configurations are written by filling orbitals in order of increasing energy, following the Aufbau principle.
Start filling the orbitals: the 1s orbital can hold 2 electrons, so write $1s^{2}$.
Next, fill the 2s orbital with 2 electrons: $2s^{2}$.
Finally, place the remaining 2 electrons in the 2p orbitals: $2p^{2}$. So, the full electron configuration is $1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{2}$.
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