what is the correct electron configuration for magnesium

HESI A2

HESI A2 Chemistry

1. What is the correct electron configuration for magnesium?

A. 1s² 2s²
B. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶
C. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²
D. 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The electron configuration of an element is determined by following the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level. Magnesium has an atomic number of 12, meaning it has 12 electrons. The electron configuration of magnesium fills the 1s, 2s, 2p, and 3s orbitals to accommodate all 12 electrons. Therefore, the correct electron configuration for magnesium is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s². Choice A is incorrect as it only includes 4 electrons and stops at the 2s orbital. Choice B is incorrect as it includes 8 electrons and stops at the 2p orbital. Choice D is incorrect as it includes 13 electrons and extends to the 3p orbital, which is beyond the actual electron configuration of magnesium.

2. What is the boiling point of water in °C?

A. 90°C
B. 100°C
C. 95°C
D. 80°C

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 100°C. The boiling point of water in Celsius is 100°C, which is standard at sea level. This is the temperature at which water changes from a liquid to a gas phase under standard atmospheric pressure. Choice A (90°C), Choice C (95°C), and Choice D (80°C) are incorrect because they do not represent the standard boiling point of water at sea level.

3. How are elements arranged in the periodic table?

A. By their atomic mass
B. By their chemical properties
C. By their physical state
D. By their charge

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elements are arranged in the periodic table based on their chemical properties, making choice B the correct answer. The periodic table is organized so that elements with similar chemical properties are grouped together in columns, known as groups or families. This arrangement allows for the identification of trends in the behavior of elements and predicting their properties based on their position in the table. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the periodic table primarily focuses on the chemical properties of elements, not solely on atomic mass, physical state, or charge.

4. What is the charge of a gamma ray?

A. -1
B. +1
C. +2
D. No charge

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gamma rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation with no charge. They are neutral particles that do not possess any electric charge. This characteristic allows them to be unaffected by electric or magnetic fields. Additionally, gamma rays travel at the speed of light in a vacuum. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as gamma rays do not carry a charge of -1, +1, or +2; they are neutral entities.

5. What charge do Group VIIA elements have?

A. -1
B. -2
C. 0
D. 1

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Group VIIA elements, also known as halogens, have a tendency to gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in a -1 charge. This is because they have seven valence electrons and need one more to complete their octet, making them highly reactive in forming -1 ions. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B (-2) is incorrect because Group VIIA elements typically gain one electron, not two. Choice C (0) is incorrect as these elements tend to form -1 ions by gaining one electron. Choice D (1) is incorrect because Group VIIA elements gain electrons to form negative ions, not positive ones.