Write the electron configuration for a neutral atom of calcium 5
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The electron configuration for a neutral atom of calcium (Ca), which has an atomic number of 20, is as follows:
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s²
Explanation:
The atomic number of calcium is 20, meaning a neutral calcium atom has 20 electrons. The electrons are arranged in orbitals, starting with the lowest energy level. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the configuration:
- 1s²: The first shell can hold a maximum of 2 electrons in the 1s orbital. These are the first two electrons, filling the 1s subshell.
- 2s²: The second shell starts with the 2s orbital, which can hold 2 electrons. So, the next two electrons fill the 2s subshell.
- 2p⁶: After the 2s orbital, we move to the 2p orbital, which can hold a maximum of 6 electrons. These six electrons completely fill the 2p subshell.
- 3s²: Next, we fill the 3s orbital with 2 electrons. The 3s orbital holds a maximum of 2 electrons.
- 3p⁶: The 3p orbital can hold up to 6 electrons. These six electrons fill the 3p subshell.
- 4s²: Finally, we fill the 4s orbital, which holds 2 electrons. This completes the electron configuration for calcium.
Summary:
- The 1st energy level (K shell) holds 2 electrons.
- The 2nd energy level (L shell) holds 8 electrons (2 in 2s and 6 in 2p).
- The 3rd energy level (M shell) holds 8 electrons (2 in 3s and 6 in 3p).
- The 4th energy level (N shell) holds 2 electrons (in the 4s orbital).
Therefore, the complete electron configuration for a neutral calcium atom is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s².
