Question

the electron configuration for aluminum (al) is shown below: 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p¹. which diagram shows the correct distribution of electrons in the electron shells of an aluminum atom?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze electron - shell capacity

The first shell (n = 1) can hold a maximum of 2 electrons (1s²). The second shell (n = 2) can hold a maximum of 8 electrons (2s²2p⁶). The third shell (n = 3) has 3 electrons in aluminum (3s²3p¹), for a total of 13 electrons (2 + 8+3).

Step2: Check each diagram

We need to find a diagram with 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 electrons in the second shell, and 3 electrons in the third shell.

Answer:

(Without seeing the full - details of the diagrams, assume we have a diagram that shows 2 electrons in the innermost shell, 8 electrons in the second shell, and 3 electrons in the outermost shell as the correct one. If we had labeled options like A, B, C, we would choose the one that matches the above description).