Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for gallium (Ga)?
4
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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How many unpaired electrons are present in a neutral neon (Ne) atom?
A
2
B
0
C
6
D
4
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the number of unpaired electrons in an atom depends on its electron configuration and the distribution of electrons in atomic orbitals according to Hund's rule.
Write the electron configuration of a neutral neon (Ne) atom. Neon has an atomic number of 10, so it has 10 electrons. The configuration is $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6$.
Analyze the electron filling in each subshell: the $1s$ and $2s$ orbitals are fully filled with 2 electrons each, and the $2p$ subshell has 6 electrons, which completely fills the three $2p$ orbitals (each can hold 2 electrons).
Since all orbitals in neon are fully filled, each orbital contains paired electrons (two electrons with opposite spins), meaning there are no unpaired electrons.
Conclude that the number of unpaired electrons in a neutral neon atom is zero.
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