Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for tellurium (Te, atomic number 52)?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following represents the valence electron configuration for a boron atom?
A
2s^2 2p^1
B
1s^2 2s^2
C
1s^2 2s^1 2p^2
D
2s^2 2p^3
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the atomic number of boron, which is 5. This means a neutral boron atom has 5 electrons.
Step 2: Recall that the electron configuration fills orbitals in order of increasing energy: 1s, 2s, then 2p.
Step 3: Fill the 1s orbital first with 2 electrons: $1s^{2}$.
Step 4: Next, fill the 2s orbital with 2 electrons: $2s^{2}$.
Step 5: Place the remaining 1 electron in the 2p orbital: $2p^{1}$. Therefore, the valence electron configuration (electrons in the outermost shell) is $2s^{2} 2p^{1}$.
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