Which of the following electron configurations correspond to...

Which of the following electron configurations correspond to an excited state? Identify the atoms, and write the ground-state electron configuration where appropriate. a. $1 s^{2} 2 s^{2} 3 p^{1}$ c. $1 s^{2} 2 s^{2} 2 p^{4} 3 s^{1}$ b. $1 s^{2} 2 s^{2} 2 p^{6}$ d. $[\mathrm{Ar}] 4 s^{2} 3 d^{5} 4 p^{1}$

Which of the following electron configurations correspond to an excited state? Identify the atoms, and write the ground-state electron configuration where appropriate.
a. $1 s^{2} 2 s^{2} 3 p^{1}$
c. $1 s^{2} 2 s^{2} 2 p^{4} 3 s^{1}$
b. $1 s^{2} 2 s^{2} 2 p^{6}$
d. $[\mathrm{Ar}] 4 s^{2} 3 d^{5} 4 p^{1}$

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Key Concepts

Excited State

An excited state occurs when one or more electrons are promoted to higher energy orbitals than they would occupy in the ground state. This results in an electron configuration that violates the expected order dictated by the Aufbau principle, often leaving a lower-energy orbital partially vacant while a higher orbital is partially occupied.

Aufbau Principle

The Aufbau principle is a guideline for the sequential filling of atomic orbitals starting from the lowest energy level before electrons occupy higher levels. It ensures that electrons are accommodated in a manner that minimizes the energy of the atom, and deviations from this order typically indicate excitation.

Electron Configuration

Electron configuration is a method of denoting the arrangement of electrons in an atom or ion using notations for orbitals and their occupancies. It is based on quantum mechanical principles and indicates how electrons are distributed among atomic orbitals of varying energies.

Ground State

The ground state refers to the lowest energy configuration of an atom's electrons, where electrons occupy the lowest available orbitals in accordance with the Aufbau principle. A correct ground state configuration fills up orbitals in order of increasing energy, ensuring minimal energy and stability.

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