Question

how many electrons are in an atom with the electron configuration of 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹?
a 4
b 6
c 11
d 12

Explanation:

Step1: Identify electron - count in each orbital

The superscripts in the electron - configuration represent the number of electrons in each orbital. For $1s^{2}$, there are 2 electrons; for $2s^{2}$, there are 2 electrons; for $2p^{6}$, there are 6 electrons; and for $3s^{1}$, there is 1 electron.

Step2: Calculate total electrons

Add up the number of electrons in each orbital: $2 + 2+6 + 1=11$.

Answer:

C. 11