Question

what would be the most accurate electron configuration model for a neutral atom of the element selenium (se)? o 4p⁴ o 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁴ o 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 4d¹⁰ 4p⁴ o 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 4p⁴

Explanation:

Step1: Recall electron - filling order

Electrons fill orbitals in the order 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, etc. The s - orbital can hold 2 electrons, the p - orbital can hold 6 electrons, and the d - orbital can hold 10 electrons.

Step2: Determine atomic number of selenium

Selenium (Se) has an atomic number of 34. This means a neutral selenium atom has 34 electrons.

Step3: Write electron configuration

1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶4s²3d¹⁰4p⁴. We start filling orbitals according to the Aufbau principle, Pauli - exclusion principle, and Hund's rule.

Answer:

1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶4s²3d¹⁰4p⁴