Multiple Choice
How many electrons can the first electron shell (n = 1) hold?
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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 hydrogen atom?
A
1s^1
B
2p^1
C
2s^1
D
1s^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals, starting from the lowest energy level.
Hydrogen has only one electron, so its electron configuration will fill the lowest energy orbital available, which is the 1s orbital.
The notation '1s^1' means there is one electron in the 1s orbital, which matches hydrogen's single electron.
Other options like '2p^1' or '2s^1' indicate electrons in higher energy orbitals, which would not be occupied before the 1s orbital is filled.
The option '1s^2' suggests two electrons in the 1s orbital, which is not possible for hydrogen since it has only one electron.
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