Question

the electron configuration for magnesium is shown below. 1s²2s²2p⁶3s². which diagram shows the correct distribution of electrons in the electron shells of a magnesium atom?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze electron - shell capacity

The first shell (1s) can hold 2 electrons, the second shell (2s and 2p combined) can hold 2 + 6=8 electrons, and the third shell (3s) has 2 electrons for magnesium.

Step2: Count electrons in the given configuration

In the electron - configuration $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}$, we have 2 + 2+6 + 2=12 electrons.

Step3: Evaluate the diagram

A correct diagram for magnesium should have 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 electrons in the second shell, and 2 electrons in the third shell.

Answer:

(No diagrams are provided in the text to choose from, but the correct distribution should have 2 electrons in the innermost shell, 8 in the second - shell, and 2 in the outermost shell)