Identifying the Element with the Ground-State Electron Configuration- 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²
Which element has the following ground-state electron configuration 1s22s22p63s2? This question is a common challenge in chemistry, particularly for students learning about electron configurations and the periodic table. The electron configuration of an element provides valuable information about its chemical properties and its position in the periodic table. By understanding the electron configuration, one can predict the element’s behavior in various chemical reactions and its physical properties.
The ground-state electron configuration 1s22s22p63s2 corresponds to an element with a total of 12 electrons. This configuration is particularly significant because it identifies the element as an alkali earth metal. Alkali earth metals are located in Group 2 of the periodic table and are known for their high reactivity and their ability to lose two electrons to form a +2 cation.
To determine the specific element, we can break down the electron configuration step by step. The first two electrons occupy the 1s orbital, which is the innermost shell of the atom. The next two electrons fill the 2s orbital, and the remaining six electrons occupy the 2p orbital. Finally, the last two electrons fill the 3s orbital.
By adding up the number of electrons in each orbital, we find that there are a total of 12 electrons. The atomic number of an element corresponds to the number of protons in its nucleus, which is also equal to the number of electrons in a neutral atom. Therefore, the element with the electron configuration 1s22s22p63s2 has an atomic number of 12.
The element with atomic number 12 is magnesium (Mg). Magnesium is a silvery-white metal that is highly reactive and can be found in nature in various compounds, such as magnesium oxide (MgO) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4). As an alkali earth metal, magnesium has two valence electrons in its outermost shell, which allows it to readily form ionic bonds with other elements.
Understanding the electron configuration of an element is crucial for comprehending its chemical behavior and its role in various reactions. By identifying the element with the electron configuration 1s22s22p63s2 as magnesium, we can gain insights into its properties and its position within the periodic table. This knowledge is essential for anyone studying chemistry, as it lays the foundation for understanding the intricate relationships between elements and their compounds.
