Question

Is 1s²2s²2p⁶ the symbol for a macroscopic property or a microscopic property of an element? Explain your answer.

a) Macroscopic
b) Microscopic
c) Both
d) Neither

Answer 1

The notation 1s²2s²2p⁶ describes the electron configuration of an atom and is therefore considered a microscopic property, pertaining to the behavior and arrangement of particles on the atomic level. Correct option is b.

Step-by-step explanation:

The notation 1s²2s²2p⁶ refers to the electron configuration of an atom, which is a microscopic property.

This notation describes the distribution of electrons in the different sublevels and orbitals of an atom, which is not a characteristic that can be observed directly on the macroscopic scale.

Macroscopic properties are those that can be measured directly, such as mass, volume, and melting point. Instead, electron configuration is part of the microscopic domain, as it deals with the behavior and arrangement of individual particles that make up matter.