Question

Which of the following statements is consistent with the electron configuration 1s22s22p63s23p4?

a. There are 4 electrons present in a 3p orbital.
b. There are 4 electrons present in a 3p subshell.
c. There are 4 electrons present in a 3p shell.
d. There are 4 electrons present in the third shell.

Answer 1

a)

Step-by-step explanation:

When finding the element based on its electronic configuration the subscripts gives the number of electrons in the element.

In the given example total number of subscripts are 16. This means the element has 16 electrons which is equal to the atomic number of the element. hence, the element is Sulphur.

Here, s, p, d, and f are orbitals. So, as per the EC given, 3p orbital has 4 electrons in it. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Since, s, p, d, and f are orbitals and not shells, subshells. Therefore, other options are incorrect.