Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the correct electron configuration for a neutral atom of manganese (atomic number 25)?
3
views
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following represents the correct electron configuration for a neutral atom of titanium (atomic number 22)?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 3d^4
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 4d^2
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^2
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of titanium, which is 22. This means a neutral titanium atom has 22 electrons to arrange in its electron configuration.
Recall the order in which electron orbitals are filled according to the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, then 3d.
Fill the orbitals in order, making sure to add electrons up to the total of 22: start with 1s^2 (2 electrons), then 2s^2 (2 electrons), 2p^6 (6 electrons), 3s^2 (2 electrons), 3p^6 (6 electrons), 4s^2 (2 electrons), and finally 3d electrons.
Since 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, and 3p orbitals together hold 18 electrons, the remaining 4 electrons go into the 4s and 3d orbitals. According to the correct filling order, 4s fills before 3d, so 4s gets 2 electrons and 3d gets the remaining 2 electrons.
Write the final electron configuration as $1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6\ 3s^2\ 3p^6\ 4s^2\ 3d^2$, which correctly represents the distribution of 22 electrons in a neutral titanium atom.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations