Question

Which of the following is the correct electronic configuration for the element with atomic number 16?

• A. \( 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^4 \)
• B. \( 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 \)
• C. \( 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^5 \)
• D. \( 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^3 \)

Hint:

Remember to fill the orbitals in order of increasing energy, following the Aufbau principle.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The element's atomic number is 16, indicating 16 electrons. The electronic configuration, determined by filling orbitals by increasing energy, is as follows: \[ \text{K shell} \quad (1s^2)
\text{L shell} \quad (2s^2 2p^6)
\text{M shell} \quad (3s^2 3p^4) \] Therefore, the electronic configuration for the element with atomic number 16 is \( 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^4 \), which matches option (1).