Question

question 9 (1 point)
which atom in the ground state has a stable electron configuration?
o a argon
o b silicon
o c calcium
o d oxygen
question 9 of 25 | page 9 of 25

Explanation:

• Argon is a noble gas. Noble gases have a full valence shell in their ground state, which gives them a stable electron configuration.
• Oxygen has 6 valence electrons (\(2s^{2}2p^{4}\)) in its ground state and is not stable as it needs 2 more electrons to complete the octet.
• Silicon has 4 valence electrons (\(3s^{2}3p^{2}\)) in its ground state and is not stable as it needs 4 more electrons to complete the octet.
• Calcium has 2 valence electrons (\(4s^{2}\)) in its ground state and is not stable as it tends to lose these 2 electrons to achieve a stable configuration.

Answer:

A. argon