Multiple Choice
A ground state atom of Mg could not have any electrons with which of the following electron configurations?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for a neutral carbon atom (atomic number 6)?
A
1s^2 2s^2 3s^2
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^2
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^4
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the atomic number of carbon, which is 6. This means a neutral carbon atom has 6 electrons.
Step 2: Recall the order in which electron orbitals are filled according to the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, and so on.
Step 3: Fill the electrons into the orbitals starting from the lowest energy level: first fill 1s with 2 electrons, then 2s with 2 electrons.
Step 4: After filling 1s and 2s orbitals, place the remaining electrons (6 - 4 = 2 electrons) into the 2p orbital.
Step 5: Write the electron configuration by combining the filled orbitals: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^2$.
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