Question

Explain why the electron configuration of 2-3-1 represents an atom in an excited state?

Answer 1

Answer:

See explanation

Explanation:

If we look at the electron configuration closely, we will discover that the element must have had a ground state electron configuration of 2,4.

This is because, the innermost shell usually holds two electrons while the outer shells hold eight electrons each. The four electrons must be accommodated in the second shell in the ground state configuration of the compound.

However, when the atom is excited, one electron from this shell may move to the third shell to give the excited state configuration 2-3-1 as shown in the question.