Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the correct electron configuration for a neutral atom of nickel (atomic number 28)?
3
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 orbital diagrams correctly represents the ground state electron configuration of nitrogen (N)?
A
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑↓ ↑↓
B
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑↓ ↑
C
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑
D
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑ ↑ ↑
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the total number of electrons in a nitrogen (N) atom. Nitrogen has an atomic number of 7, so it has 7 electrons in its neutral state.
Step 2: Write the electron configuration for nitrogen by filling orbitals in order of increasing energy: 1s, 2s, then 2p. The first two electrons fill the 1s orbital, the next two fill the 2s orbital, and the remaining three electrons go into the 2p orbitals.
Step 3: Recall Hund's rule, which states that electrons occupy degenerate orbitals (orbitals of the same energy, like the three 2p orbitals) singly first, with parallel spins, before pairing up. This minimizes electron repulsion and lowers energy.
Step 4: Apply Hund's rule to the 2p orbitals by placing one electron in each of the three 2p orbitals with parallel spins (all arrows pointing up), rather than pairing electrons in fewer orbitals.
Step 5: Confirm that the correct orbital diagram for nitrogen's ground state is: 1s: ↑↓, 2s: ↑↓, 2p: ↑ ↑ ↑, representing the lowest energy and most stable electron arrangement.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations