Question

Which of the following electron configurations gives the correct arrangement of the four valence electrons of the carbon atom in the molecule methane (CH4)? (the 4 is on the bottom not on top )
A) 2s^2 2p^2
B)2s^1 2p^1 3s^1
C)2s^1 2p^2 3s^1
D)2s^1 2p^3

Answer 1

Answer:

D) $2s^12p^3$

Explanation:

Carbon.

The electronic configuration is -  

$1s^22s^22p^2$

Thus, 2s orbital is fully filled and p orbital can singly filled 3 electrons. Thus, Carbon has 2 singly occupied orbitals.

But in methane, $CH_4$ it forms 4 bonds. So, 1 electron each from 2s orbital jumps to the next orbital in the p subshell.

Thus, the configuration is:-

$1s^22s^22p^2$

Thus, the valence electron configuration is:-

$2s^12p^3$