Question

which of the following is the correct electron configuration for a carbon atom? 1s2 2s2 2p2, 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6, 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 4p2, 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p2

Explanation:

Step1: Recall carbon's atomic number

Carbon has an atomic number of 6, meaning it has 6 electrons.

Step2: Determine electron - filling order

Electrons fill orbitals in the order 1s, 2s, 2p, etc. The 1s orbital can hold 2 electrons, the 2s orbital can hold 2 electrons, and the 2p orbital can hold 6 electrons. For 6 electrons, the configuration is 1s²2s²2p².

Answer:

1s²2s²2p²