The electron configuration of an ion with its electrons in an excited state is:
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2002 - Paper 1
Question 1
The electron configuration of an ion with its electrons in an excited state is:
A. 1s²2s²2p¹ (atomic number: 5)
B. 1s²2s²2p³s¹ (atomic number: 8)
C. 1s²2s²2p²3s¹ (at... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The electron configuration of an ion with its electrons in an excited state is:
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 1 - 2002 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the correct electron configuration
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Answer
To determine the correct electron configuration for an ion in an excited state, we need to recognize that in excited states, one or more electrons are promoted to higher energy levels. Among the options given:
Option A corresponds to atomic number 5 (in the ground state)
Option B indicates promotion to the 3s orbital, resulting in atomic number 8.
Option C indicates the promotion of one electron from the 2p orbital to the 3s orbital, also suggesting an atomic number of 8.
Option D has no excited state; it represents a neutral atom configuration of atomic number 9.
Since the question specifies an excited state, we evaluate options B and C, both having atomic number 8 and suggesting promotion of electrons, but only option C fits as it indicates that 2p has two electrons and promotes one to 3s.
Step 2
Select the correct answer
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Answer
Therefore, the correct answer is C: 1s²2s²2p²3s¹ (atomic number: 8), as this reflects an electron configuration in an excited state.