Question

multiple choice 1 point 2 consider the electron energy orbital diagram for the sodium atom (shown at the left) in its ground state (lowest energy state): which orbital(s) shown in the diagram contain(s) electron(s) highest in energy? 1s orbital 2s orbital 2p orbitals 3s orbital

Explanation:

The electron configuration of sodium (Na) in its ground state is \(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1\). Electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy (Aufbau principle). The \(3s\) orbital is filled last, meaning it has the highest energy among the given options. The \(1s\), \(2s\), and \(2p\) orbitals are filled before \(3s\) and thus have lower energy.

Answer:

D. 3s orbital (assuming the options are labeled as A. 1s orbital, B. 2s orbital, C. 2p orbitals, D. 3s orbital based on the order in the image)