QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Which is the electron configuration for lithium?
A. 1s^2
B. 2s^3
C. 1s^2 2s^1
D. 1s^1 2s^2
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step by step with proper LaTeX notation:
Step 2:: Understand Lithium's Atomic Structure
- Lithium is the third element in the periodic table - Its atomic number is 3, meaning it has 3 electrons - Electrons fill orbitals according to the Aufbau principle
Step 3:: Electron Filling Order
- Electrons first fill the 1s orbital - The 1s orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons - After 1s is filled, electrons begin to fill the 2s orbital
Step 4:: Electron Configuration Calculation
- First 2 electrons go into the 1s orbital: $$1s^{2}
- The third electron goes into the 2s orbital: 1s^{2} 2s^{1}
Step 5:: Verify the Configuration
- Total electrons: $$2 + 1 = 3$$ ✓
- Follows electron filling rules ✓
Final Answer
The correct electron configuration for lithium is 1s^{2} 2s^{1}, which represents two electrons in the 1s orbital and one electron in the 2s orbital.
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