For a carbon atom with the electron configuration ${\mathrm{1s}}^2{\mathrm{2s}}^i{\mathrm{2p}}^j$, what are the values of $i$ and $j$ in its ground state?

• A. $i=1,j=3$
• B. $i=0,j=4$
• C. $i=2,j=1$
• D. $i=2,j=2$

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the total number of electrons in a neutral carbon atom, which is 6.
2. Recall the order of filling atomic orbitals according to the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, then 2p.
3. Fill the 1s orbital first with 2 electrons, so the configuration starts as \$1s^2$.
4. Next, fill the 2s orbital with 2 electrons, giving \$2s^2$.
5. Distribute the remaining 2 electrons in the 2p orbitals. According to Hund's rule, these electrons occupy separate 2p orbitals singly, so \$2p^2$.