Final answer:
The electron configurations for calcium, sulfur, potassium, nickel, and bromine all begin with 1s² and progress according to the Aufbau principle and the structure of the periodic table, with specific configurations for each element based on their positions within the table.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electron configurations for calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), potassium (K), nickel (Ni), and bromine (Br) all being with 1s². Noting that each begins with this configuration, we find:
- Calcium (Ca): [Ar]4s², as it is located in the s block and thus ends with s².
- Sulfur (S): [Ne]3s² 3p⁴, following the rule where within a shell, the s subshell fills before p.
- Potassium (K): [Ar]4s¹, as the 4s subshell fills before any electrons go into the 3d subshell, making it analogous to lithium and sodium in its valence configuration.
- Nickel (Ni): [Ar]4s² 3d⁸, involving a transition metal that includes electrons in the 3d subshell.
- Bromine (Br): [Ar]4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁵, where the 4p subshell nearly fills, following silicon, phosphorus, and chlorine in its group.