Final Answer:
Electron configuration for an atom with 7 electrons based on the principles of electron distribution within atomic orbitals.Therefore the correct option is
b. 1s² 2s² 2p² 3s 1
Explanation:
The electron configuration of an atom describes the distribution of its electrons among various energy levels and orbitals. For an atom with 7 electrons, the orbitals are filled according to the aufbau principle and the Pauli exclusion principle.
Starting with the first energy level (1s²), which accommodates 2 electrons, we move to the second energy level. In the second energy level, the 2s sublevel can hold 2 electrons, leaving 3 electrons to occupy the 2p sublevel.
The 2p sublevel consists of three orbitals, each capable of holding 2 electrons, totaling 6 electrons. Therefore, the configuration becomes 1s² 2s² 2p³, representing the arrangement of 7 electrons in the ground state of the atom.
Therefore the correct option is
b. 1s² 2s² 2p² 3s 1