select the correct answer. which of these elements has two electrons in its outer p orbitals? a. helium (he)…

select the correct answer. which of these elements has two electrons in its outer p orbitals? a. helium (he) b. barium (ba) c. nitrogen (n) d. silicon (si) e. sulfur (s)

select the correct answer. which of these elements has two electrons in its outer p orbitals? a. helium (he) b. barium (ba) c. nitrogen (n) d. silicon (si) e. sulfur (s)

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall electron - configuration rules

The p - subshell can hold a maximum of 6 electrons. We need to find the element with 2 electrons in its outer p - orbital.

Step2: Write electron - configurations for each element

  • Helium (He): $1s^{2}$, has no p - electrons.
  • Barium (Ba): $[Xe]6s^{2}$, has no electrons in its outer p - orbital.
  • Nitrogen (N): $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{3}$, has 3 electrons in its outer p - orbital.
  • Silicon (Si): $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{2}$, has 2 electrons in its outer p - orbital.
  • Sulfur (S): $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{4}$, has 4 electrons in its outer p - orbital.

Answer:

D. silicon (Si)