Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for antimony (Sb)?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How many electrons are present in the 4p orbitals of a selenium (Se) atom in its ground state?
A
8
B
6
C
4
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of selenium (Se), which tells you the total number of electrons in a neutral atom. Selenium has an atomic number of 34, so it has 34 electrons.
Write the electron configuration of selenium in its ground state by filling orbitals in order of increasing energy using the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, etc.
Determine how many electrons occupy the 4p orbitals by looking at the electron configuration. After filling up to 3d, the remaining electrons will fill the 4p orbitals.
Recall that the p subshell can hold a maximum of 6 electrons (3 orbitals × 2 electrons each). Count how many electrons selenium places in the 4p orbitals based on its total electron count and previous subshell fillings.
Conclude the number of electrons in the 4p orbitals by subtracting the electrons accounted for in all lower energy orbitals from the total 34 electrons, leaving the electrons in the 4p subshell.
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