Question

Which of the following represents the electron configuration of Sodium (Na)?

A) 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1
B) 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2
C) 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^1
D) 1s^2 2s^2 3s^2 3p^6

Answer 1

The correct electron configuration for Sodium (Na) is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s¹, corresponding to option A. It illustrates one valence electron in the 3s orbital, following the completely filled 1s, 2s, and 2p orbitals. In shorthand, the noble gas configuration for sodium is [Ne] 3s¹.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking about the electron configuration of Sodium (Na). The correct electron configuration for Sodium (Na) is option A) 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s¹. This configuration indicates that sodium has one valence electron in the 3s orbital after the inner shells are filled (1s and 2s orbitals are completely filled with two electrons each, and the 2p orbital is filled with six electrons). When we use noble gas shorthand notation, the configuration of sodium is represented as [Ne] 3s¹, where [Ne] symbolizes the electron configuration for neon, which is the noble gas preceding sodium in the periodic table.