Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the correct electron configuration for a ground-state zinc (Zn) atom?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following is the correct orbital diagram for sulfur (atomic number 16)?
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
Identify the electron configuration of sulfur (atomic number 16). Sulfur has 16 electrons, so write the configuration by filling orbitals in order of increasing energy: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, and 3p.
Recall the order and maximum electron capacity of each subshell: 1s (2 electrons), 2s (2 electrons), 2p (6 electrons), 3s (2 electrons), and 3p (6 electrons).
Distribute the 16 electrons according to the Aufbau principle, filling lower energy orbitals first: 1s (2), 2s (2), 2p (6), 3s (2), and then place the remaining 4 electrons in the 3p orbitals.
Apply Hund's rule when placing electrons in the 3p orbitals: electrons occupy degenerate orbitals singly with parallel spins before pairing up. This means the 4 electrons in 3p will fill as ↑↓, ↑, ↑.
Construct the orbital diagram using arrows to represent electron spins: paired electrons are shown as ↑↓, and unpaired electrons as single arrows ↑. Confirm that the 3p orbitals have one pair and two unpaired electrons, matching the correct configuration.
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