Question

Which element has three unpaired electrons in its p orbital? carbon (atomic number 6) oxygen (atomic number 8) nitrogen (atomic number 7) beryllium (atomic number 4)

Answer 1

The element has three unpaired electrons in its p orbital is nitrogen (atomic number 7). 

Answer 2

Answer: The correct answer is Nitrogen.

Explanation:

Electronic configuration is the representation which helps in determination of the total number of electrons and valence electrons that are present in an element.

For the given options:

Option 1: Carbon having atomic number 6

Electronic configuration of C = $1s^22s^22p^2$

It has 2 electrons in its p-orbital.

Option 2: Oxygen having atomic number 8

Electronic configuration of O = $1s^22s^22p^4$

It has 4 electrons in its p-orbital.

Option 3: Nitrogen having atomic number 7

Electronic configuration of N = $1s^22s^22p^3$

It has 3 electrons in its p-orbital.

Option 4: Beryllium having atomic number 4

Electronic configuration of Be = $1s^22s^2$

It has 0 electrons in its p-orbital.

From the above information, the correct answer is Nitrogen.