What is the electron configuration of 3s23p4?
Sulfur
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To determine the electron configuration of an atom, we can use the periodic table as a guide.
The numbers and letters in the electron configuration represent specific energy levels (n) and subshells (s, p, d, f).
In this case, the electron configuration is 3s^2 3p^4.
To interpret this, let's break it down:
1. The number "3" represents the principal energy level (n = 3). It indicates that the electrons are in the third energy level (or shell) of the atom.
2. The letter "s" represents the type of subshell, which is the s-subshell. The s-subshell can hold up to 2 electrons.
3. The superscripted number "2" after 3s indicates that there are 2 electrons in the s-subshell.
4. The letter "p" represents the type of subshell, which is the p-subshell. The p-subshell can hold up to 6 electrons.
5. The superscripted number "4" after 3p indicates that there are 4 electrons in the p-subshell.
So, the electron configuration of 3s^2 3p^4 represents an atom with a total of 6 electrons, where 2 electrons are in the 3s-subshell and 4 electrons are in the 3p-subshell.