Question

Classify the following atom as excited, ground state, or not possible.

1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3p^1

Answer 1

According to Pauli's exclusion principle, the energy levels of the subshells should be arranged in an increasing manner. The energy of each subshell can be computed. In the sequence, the given subshells are arranged in a correct order. 30p allows 6 electrons at maximum so this configuration is considered as ground state