Which element corresponds to [Ne] 3s^2 3p^6?

The electron configuration [Ne] 3s^2 3p^6 represents the distribution of electrons in an atom, where [Ne] indicates that the configuration begins with the electron arrangement of neon, which accounts for the first 10 electrons. The "3s^2" indicates that there are 2 electrons in the 3s subshell, and "3p^6" indicates that there are 6 electrons in the 3p subshell.

To determine the total number of electrons, one can add the electrons represented in the notation: Neon (10 electrons) + 2 from the 3s subshell + 6 from the 3p subshell, resulting in a total of 18 electrons. This total number of electrons corresponds to the element argon, which is atomic number 18 on the periodic table.

Argon is classified as a noble gas and is located in group 18 of the periodic table. The complete filling of the s and p subshells signifies a stable electron configuration, which is typical of noble gases. This stability is a key characteristic that defines argon as an element.

In summary, the electron configuration [Ne] 3s^2 3p^6 correctly identifies arg