Which element has the electron configuration [Ne] 3s^2 3p^3?

Study for the Electron Configuration Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Ace your exam!

The electron configuration [Ne] 3s² 3p³ corresponds to the element arsenic, which is located in group 15 of the periodic table.

In this configuration, the [Ne] represents the core electrons that are equivalent to those in neon, accounting for the first ten electrons. Following this core, the 3s² indicates that there are two electrons in the 3s subshell, and the 3p³ means that there are three electrons in the 3p subshell.

When we add these together, the total number of electrons is 33 (10 from neon, 2 from 3s, and 3 from 3p). Arsenic, with an atomic number of 33, matches this total and thus has the given electron configuration.

Silicon, phosphorus, and aluminum have different numbers of electrons in their outer shells, which do not match the given configuration. Silicon has the configuration [Ne] 3s² 3p², phosphorus is [Ne] 3s² 3p³, and aluminum is [Ne] 3s² 3p¹, confirming that arsenic is the only element that aligns with the specified electron configuration.

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