Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the valence electron configuration for a boron 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 aluminum (Al)?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^1
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1 3p^2
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^5
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^3
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Determine the atomic number of aluminum (Al). The atomic number tells you the total number of electrons in a neutral atom. For aluminum, the atomic number is 13.
Step 2: Recall the order in which electron orbitals are filled according to the Aufbau principle. The filling order is: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, and so on.
Step 3: Fill the orbitals with electrons following the order and the maximum number of electrons each orbital can hold: 1s (2 electrons), 2s (2 electrons), 2p (6 electrons), 3s (2 electrons), and 3p (6 electrons).
Step 4: Assign the 13 electrons of aluminum to these orbitals in order: 1s^2, 2s^2, 2p^6, 3s^2, and then place the remaining electron in the 3p orbital, resulting in 3p^1.
Step 5: Compare the given options with the correct electron configuration you have constructed: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^1$. This matches the first option, confirming it as the correct electron configuration for aluminum.
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