Question

Which of the following electron configurations represents an element in the same Group as silicon?

a) 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s2^ 3d^10 4p^6 5s^2 4d^10 5p^2
b) 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^2
c) 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6
d) 1s^2 2s^2 2p^4

Answer 1

The electron configuration that represents an element in the same group as silicon is option a) 1s² 2s² 2p¶ 3s² 3p¶ 4s2 3d¹⁰ 4p¶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p², as both have 2 electrons in their valence p subshell.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to identifying which electron configuration represents an element in the same group as silicon. Silicon belongs to Group 14 of the periodic table and has the electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p¶ 3s² 3p². Members of the same group have a similar valence electron configuration, which is the arrangement of electrons in the outermost shell. Therefore, the correct answer is option a) 1s² 2s² 2p¶ 3s² 3p¶ 4s2 3d¹⁰ 4p¶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p², as it ends with '5p²', indicating two electrons in the p subshell of the valence (outermost) shell, similar to silicon's 3p².