Chapter 5.1, Problem 8SP

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The electron configuration for the carbon atom needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: The electron configuration explains the electron distribution in atomic orbitals. There is a standard notation to write an electron configuration. The atomic shell is written in a sequence with the number of electrons in superscript.

Answer to Problem 8SP

  $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^2$

Explanation of Solution

The given atom is carbon. It belongs to group 14 with atomic number 6. Since s orbital can maximum hold 2 electrons, the electronic configuration is represented as follows:

  $\mathrm{C}\left(6\right)=1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^2$

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The electron configuration for the argon atom needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: The electron configuration explains the electron distribution in atomic orbitals. There is a standard notation to write an electron configuration. The atomic shell is written in a sequence with the number of electrons in superscript.

Answer to Problem 8SP

  $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^6$

Explanation of Solution

The given atom is argon. It belongs to group 18 with atomic number 18. Since the maximum electrons hold by s and p orbitals are 2 and 6 respectively. The electronic configuration is represented as follows:

  $\text{Ar}\left(18\right)=1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^6$

(c)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The electron configuration for the nickel atom needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: The electron configuration explains the electron distribution in atomic orbitals. There is a standard notation to write an electron configuration. The atomic shell is written in a sequence with the number of electrons in superscript.

Answer to Problem 8SP

  $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}3d^{8}4s^2$

Explanation of Solution

The given atom is nickel. It belongs to group 10 with atomic number 28. Since the maximum electrons hold by s , p, and d orbitals are 2, 6, and 10 respectively. The electronic configuration is represented as follows:

  $\text{Ni}\left(28\right)=1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}3d^{8}4s^2$