Question

what is the correct electron configuration for the element shown below? o 1s² 2s⁸ o 1s³ 2s⁵ 2p² o 1s² 2s² 2p⁴

Explanation:

Step1: Count electrons

There are 8 electrons in the diagram.

Step2: Apply electron - filling rules

The first shell (n = 1) can hold 2 electrons in the 1s orbital (1s²). The second shell (n = 2) first fills the 2s orbital with 2 electrons (2s²) and then the 2p orbital. Since there are 8 electrons in total, after filling 1s² and 2s², there are 4 remaining electrons which go into the 2p orbital (2p⁴).

Answer:

1s² 2s² 2p⁴