Multiple Choice
How does the movement of electrons change when atoms are in close proximity?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for sodium (Na)?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^5 3s^2
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the atomic number of sodium (Na), which is 11. This means sodium has 11 electrons to arrange in its electron configuration.
Step 2: Recall the order in which electron orbitals are filled according to the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, and so on.
Step 3: Fill the orbitals with electrons following the order and the maximum number of electrons each can hold: 1s (2 electrons), 2s (2 electrons), 2p (6 electrons), and then 3s.
Step 4: Since sodium has 11 electrons, after filling 1s, 2s, and 2p orbitals (which account for 2 + 2 + 6 = 10 electrons), place the remaining 1 electron in the 3s orbital.
Step 5: Write the electron configuration by combining all filled orbitals: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1$, which correctly represents sodium's electron configuration.
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