Question

Which of the following could be the subsh

representation of an element of Group IV?
O
Os 203
O O
Os²2
Os 2p1

Answer 1

`2s^2 2p^2`

Step-by-step explanation:

Group 4A contains a total of 4 electrons for each atom in their valence shell. Filling the orbital diagram, let's say, for carbon, notice that when we start with period 2, we have two elements in the s-block, that is, lithium and beryllium. They correspond to the two s electrons that belong to the valence shell of carbon.

Moving on, we have boron and carbon, the remaining 2 electrons. Now, starting with boron, we're in the p-block.

That said, looking at the second period, the electron configuration for the valence shell of a group 4A element would be:

`2s^2 2p^2`