Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for an oxygen atom?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which element has the electron configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d8?
A
Nickel (Ni)
B
Copper (Cu)
C
Zinc (Zn)
D
Iron (Fe)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the total number of electrons in the given electron configuration: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^8$. Add the electrons in each subshell: $2 + 2 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 2 + 8$.
Sum these electrons to find the atomic number corresponding to this configuration, since the number of electrons in a neutral atom equals its atomic number.
Recall that the atomic number corresponds to a specific element on the periodic table.
Match the atomic number found to the element options given: Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe).
Confirm that the electron configuration ends with $3d^8$, which is characteristic of Nickel (Ni), as Copper and Zinc have different $3d$ subshell fillings, and Iron has fewer $3d$ electrons.
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