Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for a nitrogen atom?

• A. 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6
• B. 1s^2 2s^2 2p^3
• C. 1s^2 2s^1 2p^4
• D. 1s^2 2s^2 2p^5

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the atomic number of nitrogen, which is 7. This means a neutral nitrogen atom has 7 electrons.
2. Step 2: Recall the order in which electron orbitals are filled according to the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, then 2p.
3. Step 3: Fill the 1s orbital first with 2 electrons: \$1s^2$.
4. Step 4: Next, fill the 2s orbital with 2 electrons: \$2s^2$.
5. Step 5: Distribute the remaining 3 electrons in the 2p orbitals, giving \$2p^3$. So, the full electron configuration is \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^3$.