Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for magnesium (Mg)?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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According to the electron configuration, which of the following elements has a completely filled 3p subshell?
A
Ar (argon)
B
Cl (chlorine)
C
Na (sodium)
D
P (phosphorus)
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the 3p subshell can hold a maximum of 6 electrons because it has three p orbitals, each capable of holding 2 electrons.
Write the electron configurations for each element up to the 3p subshell:
- Sodium (Na): 1s\^2 2s\^2 2p\^6 3s\^1 (3p subshell is empty)
- Phosphorus (P): 1s\^2 2s\^2 2p\^6 3s\^2 3p\^3 (3p subshell is half-filled with 3 electrons)
- Chlorine (Cl): 1s\^2 2s\^2 2p\^6 3s\^2 3p\^5 (3p subshell has 5 electrons, not full)
- Argon (Ar): 1s\^2 2s\^2 2p\^6 3s\^2 3p\^6 (3p subshell is completely filled with 6 electrons)
Identify which element has the 3p subshell fully occupied by 6 electrons, which corresponds to a completely filled 3p subshell.
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