Question

an electrically neutral atom has the electron configuration $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^4$. what is the name of this atom? use the periodic table.\
\
\bigcirc phosphorus\
\bigcirc sulfur\
\bigcirc chlorine\
\bigcirc selenium

Explanation:

1. For an electrically neutral atom, the number of electrons equals the number of protons (atomic number).
2. Calculate the total number of electrons from the electron configuration \(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^4\):

• Sum the exponents: \(2 + 2 + 6 + 2 + 4 = 16\).

1. The atomic number is 16.
2. From the periodic table, the element with atomic number 16 is sulfur.

Answer:

sulfur