Question

what electron configuration matches an oxygen atom? 1s²2s²2p⁴ 1s²2s²2p⁶ 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶4s²3d¹ 1s²2s²2p⁶3s², 3p⁶4s²3d¹⁰4p⁵

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the atomic number of oxygen

Oxygen has an atomic number of \(8\). This means it has \(8\) electrons.

Step2: Fill the electron orbitals

• The \(1s\) orbital can hold \(2\) electrons: \(1s^{2}\).
• The \(2s\) orbital can hold \(2\) electrons: \(2s^{2}\).
• The remaining \(8-(2 + 2)=4\) electrons go into the \(2p\) orbital: \(2p^{4}\).

Answer:

\(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{4}\)