Answer: Option (C) is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atomic number of neon is 10 and its electronic configuration is
.
As neon has a vacant 3s orbital also. Therefore, in the excited state an electron will jump into the excited energy level. So, in excited state of neon one electron will jump into the 3s orbital.
Hence, its electronic distribution in the valence shell will become 2-7-1.
Thus, we can conclude that 2-7-1 electron configuration represents the electrons of an atom of neon in an excited state.