Question

multiple choice question
which element is represented with the orbital diagram shown here?
silicon
carbon
oxygen
beryllium

Explanation:

Step1: Count the electrons

Each box in the orbital diagram represents an orbital. The 1s orbital has 2 electrons (opposite - spin arrows), the 2s orbital has 2 electrons (opposite - spin arrows), and the 2p orbital has 2 electrons (parallel - spin arrows as per Hund's rule). So the total number of electrons is \(2 + 2+2=6\).

Step2: Relate the number of electrons to the atomic number

The number of electrons in a neutral atom is equal to its atomic number. An element with atomic number 6 is carbon.

• Silicon has an atomic number of 14.
• Oxygen has an atomic number of 8.
• Beryllium has an atomic number of 4.

Answer:

carbon