Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the correct electron configuration for a neutral atom of potassium (atomic number 19)?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following represents the correct electron configuration for a neutral atom of neon?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^2
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6
C
1s^2 2s^2 3s^2
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^4
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that neon (Ne) is a neutral atom with an atomic number of 10, meaning it has 10 electrons.
Understand that electron configurations list the distribution of electrons in atomic orbitals in order of increasing energy levels.
Start filling the orbitals following the Aufbau principle: first fill 1s, then 2s, then 2p orbitals, remembering the maximum electrons each can hold (1s and 2s hold 2 electrons each, 2p holds 6 electrons).
Sum the electrons in the configuration options to see which one totals 10 electrons, matching neon's atomic number.
Identify the configuration that correctly fills the orbitals up to 10 electrons: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6$, which represents the full complement of electrons for neon.
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