Multiple Choice
What is the electron configuration for a nitrogen 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 electron configuration for indium (atomic number 49)?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^1
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^9 5p^2
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^3
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of indium, which is 49. This means indium has 49 electrons to be placed in orbitals according to the Aufbau principle.
Recall the order of orbital filling based on increasing energy levels: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, and so on.
Fill the orbitals step-by-step with electrons, respecting the maximum number of electrons per orbital type: s (2 electrons), p (6 electrons), d (10 electrons). Continue until all 49 electrons are assigned.
After filling up to 4p^6 (which accounts for 36 electrons), place the next electrons in 5s^2 (2 electrons), then 4d^{10} (10 electrons), totaling 48 electrons so far.
Place the remaining 1 electron in the 5p orbital, resulting in the configuration ending with 5p^1, which matches the expected electron configuration for indium.
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