Multiple Choice
When writing the electron configuration for plutonium (atomic number 94), which of the following is the correct ending for its configuration?
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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 a nitrogen atom?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^5
B
1s^2 2s^1 2p^4
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^3
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the atomic number of nitrogen, which is 7. This means a nitrogen atom has 7 electrons to arrange in its electron configuration.
Step 2: Recall the order in which electron orbitals are filled according to the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, then 2p.
Step 3: Fill the 1s orbital first with 2 electrons, then the 2s orbital with 2 electrons, accounting for 4 electrons so far.
Step 4: Place the remaining 3 electrons in the 2p orbitals. Since 2p can hold up to 6 electrons, nitrogen will have 3 electrons in 2p.
Step 5: Write the full electron configuration as $1s^2 2s^2 2p^3$, which matches the correct answer given.
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