Multiple Choice
What is the complete ground-state electron configuration for silicon (Si)?
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which electron configuration represents a violation of the Pauli exclusion principle?
A
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁵
B
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶
C
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶
D
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁵ 4p⁵
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the Pauli exclusion principle: It states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers. This means that an atomic orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons, and they must have opposite spins.
Examine each given electron configuration to identify any violations of the Pauli exclusion principle.
For the first configuration, 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁵, check each subshell to ensure that no more than two electrons occupy any orbital and that they have opposite spins.
For the second configuration, 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶, perform the same check as in the previous step.
For the third configuration, 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁵ 4p⁵, notice that the 4p subshell is written as 4p⁵ 4p⁵, indicating a possible error. Verify if this configuration violates the Pauli exclusion principle by having more than two electrons in the same orbital with the same spin.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations