Question

What is the electron configuration for sulfur? A. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4 B. 1s2 1p6 2s2 2p6 3s2 C. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p3 4s1 D. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3p1 3d5

Answer 1

A.
${1s}^{2} {2s}^{2} {2p}^{6} {3s}^{2} {3p}^{4}$

Answer 2

Sulfur has two filled energy levels and six electrons on the third energy level. The corresponding electron configuration is A.
B is incorrect because there are no p orbitals at the first energy level, ie, no 1p orbitals. C is incorrect because the 4s1 electron would spontaneously drop into the 3p orbitals. D is incorrect because the 3d electrons would spontaneously drop into the 3p orbitals.