Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for magnesium (Mg)?
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
Multiple Choice
According to the electron configuration, which of the following elements has a completely filled 3p subshell?
A
Ar (argon)
B
Cl (chlorine)
C
Na (sodium)
D
P (phosphorus)
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the 3p subshell can hold a maximum of 6 electrons because it has three p orbitals, each capable of holding 2 electrons.
Write the electron configurations for each element up to the 3p subshell:
- Sodium (Na): 1s\^2 2s\^2 2p\^6 3s\^1 (3p subshell is empty)
- Phosphorus (P): 1s\^2 2s\^2 2p\^6 3s\^2 3p\^3 (3p subshell is half-filled with 3 electrons)
- Chlorine (Cl): 1s\^2 2s\^2 2p\^6 3s\^2 3p\^5 (3p subshell has 5 electrons, not full)
- Argon (Ar): 1s\^2 2s\^2 2p\^6 3s\^2 3p\^6 (3p subshell is completely filled with 6 electrons)
Identify which element has the 3p subshell fully occupied by 6 electrons, which corresponds to a completely filled 3p subshell.
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