Question

qe 9 an atom has the electron configuration ( 1 s ^ { 2 } 2 s ^ { 2 } 2 p ^ { 6 } 3 s ^ { 2 } 3 p ^ { 6 } ). the electron dot symbol for this element is

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the total number of electrons

The electron configuration is \(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}\).

$$2 + 2+6 + 2+6=18$$

The element with 18 electrons is Argon (\(Ar\)), which is a noble gas. Noble gases have a full - valence shell. The number of valence electrons for \(Ar\) is 8.

Step2: Analyze the electron - dot symbol rules

The electron - dot symbol (Lewis dot symbol) shows the valence electrons of an atom. For an atom with 8 valence electrons, we place 2 electrons on each of the four sides (top, bottom, left, right) of the element symbol.

Answer:

The third option (the one with 8 dots around the \(X\)) is the correct electron - dot symbol.