Ground state is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6
An excited state will have a lower level not filled. For example, 1s2 2s1 2p6 would be an excited state. The ground state would be 1s2 2s2 2p5.
That should help you answer the question.
Of the following electron configurations of neutral atoms, which represents an atom in an excited state?
A
1s2 2s 2 2p 5
B
1s2 2s 2 2p 5 3s 2
C
1s2 2s 2 2p 6 3s 1
D
1s2 2s 2 2p 6 3s 2 3p 2
E
1s2 2s 2 2p 6 3s 2 3p 5
1 answer