Question

Which of the following is the correct condensed electron configuration for the element S (Z = 16)?

A) [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴
B) [Ar] 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁴
C) [Ne] 3s² 3p³
D) [Kr] 5s¹ 4d¹⁰ 5p⁴

Answer 1

The correct condensed electron configuration for Sulfur (S) is [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴. This configuration uses Neon's (Ne) configuration as the core and adds Sulfur's valence electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct condensed electron configuration for the element Sulfur (S) with atomic number 16 is A) [Ne] 3s² 3p⁴.

This notation indicates that Sulfur has the same core electron configuration as Neon ([Ne]), which is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶, followed by its valence electrons in the 3s and 3p orbitals.

Reviewing other options:
- Element which has the electron configuration [Ne] 3s² 3p² is Silicon (Si).
- Element with electron configuration [Ar] 3d¹ 4s² is Scandium (Sc).
- The noble gas electron configuration notation for Manganese (Mn) would include [Ar], representing Argon.
- The electron configuration for Barium (Ba) would be written as [Xe] 6s².