Multiple Choice
When writing the electron configuration for plutonium (atomic number 94), which of the following is the correct ending for its configuration?
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
Multiple Choice
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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