Which element has a ground state electron configuration with two unpaired electrons in the 3p sublevel?
A)P
B)Mg
C)Cl
D)Si

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electron configuration of Si is 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^2. In the 3p sublevel, there are two unpaired electrons present (in the 3p^2 orbital). In option A (P), there are three unpaired electrons in the 3p sublevel (in the 3p^3 orbital). In option B (Mg), the valence electrons are in the 3s sublevel and there are no unpaired electrons in the 3p sublevel. In option C (Cl), the 3p sublevel is completely filled with paired electrons (in the 3p^6 configuration). Therefore, Si is the only option that has two unpaired electrons in the 3p sublevel.

Which Element Has a Ground State Electron Configuration with Two