Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for a neutral oxygen 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 ground-state electron configuration for a germanium (Ge) atom?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^2
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 4p^4
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^8 4p^4
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 3d^{10} 4s^2 4p^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of germanium (Ge), which is 32. This means a neutral Ge atom has 32 electrons to arrange in its ground-state electron configuration.
Recall the order of filling electron orbitals based on the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, and so on.
Distribute the 32 electrons into orbitals following the order and the maximum number of electrons each orbital can hold: s orbitals hold 2, p orbitals hold 6, and d orbitals hold 10 electrons.
Write the electron configuration by filling orbitals in order until all 32 electrons are placed, ensuring that the 4s orbital fills before the 3d orbital and that the 4p orbital is filled last.
Compare the resulting configuration with the given options to identify the correct ground-state electron configuration for germanium.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations