write the electron configuration for a neutral atom of boron.

Explanation:

Step1: Determine atomic number of boron

Boron has an atomic number of 5.

Step2: Fill electrons according to Aufbau principle

Electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy. First, 2 electrons go in the 1s orbital ($1s^2$), then 2 in the 2s orbital ($2s^2$), and the remaining 1 in the 2p orbital ($2p^1$).

Answer:

$1s^22s^22p^1$