The electronic configuration of carbon in excited state may be represented by:
Correct answer: D. 1s2, 2s1, 2px1, 2py1, 2pz1
- A. 1s2, 2s2, 2p2
- B. 1s2, 2s2, 2px1, 2py1
- C. 1s2, 2s2, 2px2
- D. 1s2, 2s1, 2px1, 2py1, 2pz1
Explanation
In the excited state of carbon, electrons absorb energy and are promoted to higher energy orbitals, which results in a different distribution compared to the ground state. The correct configuration for an excited state of carbon is 1s2, 2s1, 2px1, 2py1, 2pz1, where an electron from the 2s orbital is promoted to the 2p orbitals, allowing for one electron in each of the three 2p orbitals. This configuration maximizes electron spin and spatial distribution, leading to increased energy and reactivity. Other options represent either ground state configurations or violate the Pauli Exclusion Principle.
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About Electronic Configuration
Electronic configuration describes how electrons occupy shells, subshells and orbitals around an atom. Questions use the Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle and Hund's rule to write configurations, identify valence electrons, form ions and explain periodic trends, including common exceptions such as chromium and copper.
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