Consider the following electron configuration.

(σ3s)2 (σ3s*)2 (σ3p)2 (π3p)4 (π3p*)4

Select four species that, in theory, would have this electron configuration.

The electron configuration provided represents the filling of the 3s and 3p orbitals in the third energy level. Based on this configuration, four species that could potentially have this electron configuration are as follows:

1. Nitrogen atom (N): Atomic number 7, with the electron configuration 1s2 2s2 2p3. Upon reaching the third energy level, it would have the electron configuration (σ3s)2 (σ3s*)2 (σ3p)2 (π3p)4 (π3p*)4.

2. Oxygen atom (O): Atomic number 8, electron configuration 1s2 2s2 2p4. In the third energy level, it would have the electron configuration (σ3s)2 (σ3s*)2 (σ3p)2 (π3p)4 (π3p*)4.

3. Fluorine atom (F): Atomic number 9, electron configuration 1s2 2s2 2p5. In the third energy level, it would have the electron configuration (σ3s)2 (σ3s*)2 (σ3p)2 (π3p)4 (π3p*)4.

4. Neon atom (Ne): Atomic number 10, electron configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6. In the third energy level, it would have the electron configuration (σ3s)2 (σ3s*)2 (σ3p)2 (π3p)4 (π3p*)4.

Please note that these species are examples and there may be other elements or ions with the same electron configuration.

To determine four species that would have this electron configuration, let's break down the given electron configuration and look at the different orbitals involved.

The electron configuration provided:
(σ3s)2 (σ3s*)2 (σ3p)2 (π3p)4 (π3p*)4

First, let's understand the notations used:

- (σ3s)2 represents two electrons in the sigma bonding orbital of the 3s sublevel.
- (σ3s*)2 represents two electrons in the sigma antibonding orbital of the 3s sublevel.
- (σ3p)2 represents two electrons in the sigma bonding orbital of the 3p sublevel.
- (π3p)4 represents four electrons in the pi bonding orbital of the 3p sublevel.
- (π3p*)4 represents four electrons in the pi antibonding orbital of the 3p sublevel.

Now, let's consider four species that could potentially have this electron configuration:

1. Oxygen (O):
Oxygen has 8 electrons, so the electron configuration could be written as:
1s^2 2s^2 2p^4
This configuration has a similar pattern to the given electron configuration. The 2s and 2p orbitals can combine to form the 3s and 3p orbitals, which match the given configuration.

2. Nitrogen (N):
Nitrogen has 7 electrons, so the electron configuration could be written as:
1s^2 2s^2 2p^3
Again, this configuration follows a similar pattern as the given electron configuration, involving the 2s and 2p orbitals.

3. Fluorine (F):
Fluorine has 9 electrons, so the electron configuration can be written as:
1s^2 2s^2 2p^5
This configuration also matches the pattern of the given electron configuration, involving the 2s and 2p orbitals.

4. Carbon (C):
Carbon has 6 electrons, so the electron configuration can be written as:
1s^2 2s^2 2p^2
While the configuration does not directly match the pattern indicated by the given electron configuration, it is possible for carbon to form compounds where it gains or loses electrons to achieve this configuration.

These are four species that, theoretically, could have the provided electron configuration. However, it is important to note that these configurations are simplified representations and do not take into account factors such as hybridization or molecular bonding, which can significantly influence the electron distribution in actual species.

This looks like diatomic species (molecules or ions) of third row elements with 14 electrons. It may be Cl2, SCl-, etc. You should be able to come up with a couple more.