What is the electronic configuration of the element with atomic number 12?

What is the electronic configuration of the element with atomic number 12?

Correct Answer: [Ne] 3s2

Step 1: Identify the atomic number. The atomic number 12 tells us how many protons are in the element.
Step 2: Find the element with atomic number 12 on the periodic table. This element is magnesium (Mg).
Step 3: Determine the number of electrons. Since magnesium is neutral, it has the same number of electrons as protons, which is 12.
Step 4: Fill the electron shells according to the rules. The first shell can hold 2 electrons, the second shell can hold 8 electrons, and the third shell can hold 8 electrons.
Step 5: Place 2 electrons in the first shell (1s²).
Step 6: Place 8 electrons in the second shell (2s² 2p⁶).
Step 7: Place the remaining 2 electrons in the third shell (3s²).
Step 8: Combine the configurations. The full electronic configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s².
Step 9: Use the noble gas shorthand. The configuration can be simplified to [Ne] 3s², where [Ne] represents the configuration of neon (the nearest noble gas).

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