The electronic configurations listed below are incorrect. Explain the mistakes in each and write the correct electronic configurations.

  • z = 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s’

    • Mistake: The configuration ends with 3s’, which is incorrect because the electron configuration of the 3rd shell should fill the 3s sub-shell first before moving to higher sub-shells such as 3p.

    • Correct configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²

  • x = 1s, 2s, 2p’, 3p’

    • Mistake: The configuration mentions 2p’ and 3p’, indicating unfilled p orbitals in the second and third shells. According to the Aufbau principle, 2p should be fully filled before moving to 3p.

    • Correct configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹

  • y = 1s’, 2s’, 2p’

    • Mistake: The primes (‘) suggest incomplete orbitals. The correct notation should show the complete filling of each shell and sub-shell. The 1s and 2s orbitals should be filled completely (s orbitals can hold up to 2 electrons, and p orbitals can hold up to 6 electrons).

    • Correct configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶

Related Questions:

  1. Why is an atom electrically neutral?
  2. How many sub-shells are there in the N shell?
  3. Give notation for sub-shells of the M shell.
  4. List the sub-shells of the M shell in order of increasing energy.
  5. Which orbital in each of the following pairs is lower in energy?
  6. Distinguish between shell and sub-shell.
  7. Give two examples of industrial chemistry applications.
  8. Explain the importance of chemistry in medicine, agriculture, and industry with examples.
  9. Discuss the role of geochemistry and astrochemistry in understanding Earth and space.
  10. Describe the principles of green chemistry and how they help in environmental protection.
  11. Can you write the formula of the carbon dioxide gas that we exhale?
  12. Define element, compound, and mixture.
  13. Differentiate between a compound and a mixture.
  14. Differentiate between a concentrated and a dilute solution.
  15. Define the term allotropes and explain the allotropes of carbon.
  16. What is the difference between a homogeneous and a heterogeneous solution?
  17. Differentiate between colloids and suspensions.
  18. How can you identify a solvent and a solute?
  19. If there are 18 protons in an Argon atom, then what is the atomic number of Argon?
  20. Describe the states of matter with examples.