Question

In the excited state, a possible electron configuration of aluminum, 13Al, is:

A 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴
B 1s² 2s² 2p²
C 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴
D 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²
E 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s¹

Answer 1

The correct excited state configuration for aluminum atom (Al) provided in the choices is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴, which represents an electron from the 3s orbital moving to the 3p orbital.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asked which of the given electron configurations represents a possible excited state for aluminum (Al), which has an atomic number of 13. The electron configuration of Al in its ground state is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹. In an excited state, an electron from a lower energy level may move to a higher energy level. Thus, a possible excited state configuration for Al could involve an electron from the 3s orbital moving to the 3p orbital, such as answer choice A, 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁴.