Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for the Al^{3+} ion?
2
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 correctly represents the orbital diagram for a neutral sulfur atom?
A
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ 3s: ↑↓ 3p: ↑↓ ↑ ↑
B
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ 3s: ↑↓ 3p: ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑
C
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ 3s: ↑↓ 3p: ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓
D
1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ 3s: ↑↓ 3p: ↑ ↑ ↑
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the atomic number of sulfur, which is 16. This means a neutral sulfur atom has 16 electrons to place in orbitals.
Step 2: Fill the orbitals in order of increasing energy using the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, then 3p.
Step 3: Apply the Pauli exclusion principle and Hund's rule when filling orbitals. Each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins, and electrons fill degenerate orbitals singly first with parallel spins.
Step 4: Fill the orbitals with electrons: 1s holds 2 electrons (↑↓), 2s holds 2 electrons (↑↓), 2p holds 6 electrons (↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓), 3s holds 2 electrons (↑↓), and 3p holds the remaining 4 electrons.
Step 5: Distribute the 4 electrons in the 3p orbitals according to Hund's rule: place one electron in each of the three 3p orbitals first (all with parallel spins), then pair the fourth electron in one of the 3p orbitals.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations