Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the noble gas electron configuration for sulfur (S)?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following represents the correct electron configuration for a ground-state zinc (Zn) atom?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10}
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^8
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 4p^6
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 3d^{10} 4p^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of zinc (Zn), which is 30. This means a neutral zinc atom has 30 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, and so on.
Fill the orbitals with electrons following the order and the maximum number of electrons each subshell can hold: s (2 electrons), p (6 electrons), d (10 electrons).
Write the electron configuration by placing electrons in each subshell until all 30 electrons are accounted for, ensuring the 4s subshell fills before the 3d subshell.
Compare the given options with the correct configuration you wrote to identify the one that matches the ground-state electron configuration of zinc.
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