Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for a neutral carbon atom (atomic number 6)?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the atomic number of carbon, which is 6. This means a neutral carbon atom has 6 electrons.
2. Step 2: Recall the order in which electron orbitals are filled according to the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, and so on.
3. Step 3: Fill the electrons into the orbitals starting from the lowest energy level: first fill 1s with 2 electrons, then 2s with 2 electrons.
4. Step 4: After filling 1s and 2s orbitals, place the remaining electrons (6 - 4 = 2 electrons) into the 2p orbital.
5. Step 5: Write the electron configuration by combining the filled orbitals: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^2$.