To determine the correct electron configuration for boron, we need to know the number of electrons present in a boron atom. Boron has an atomic number of 5, which means it has 5 electrons.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Filling the 1s Orbital:
The first two electrons occupy the 1s orbital. The configuration for this is [tex]\(1s^2\)[/tex].
2. Filling the 2s Orbital:
The next two electrons will fill the 2s orbital. The configuration for this is [tex]\(2s^2\)[/tex].
3. Filling the 2p Orbital:
There is one more electron left after filling the 1s and 2s orbitals. This electron will go into the 2p orbital. The configuration for this is [tex]\(2p^1\)[/tex].
Combining these, we get the complete electron configuration for boron:
[tex]\[
1s^2 \, 2s^2 \, 2p^1
\][/tex]
Now, let's review the given options:
1. [tex]\(1s^2 \, 2s^3\)[/tex]: Incorrect, since the 2s orbital can only hold up to 2 electrons.
2. [tex]\(1s^2 \, 2s^2 \, 3s^1\)[/tex]: Incorrect, because boron does not have enough electrons to start filling the 3s orbital.
3. [tex]\(1s^1 \, 2s^2 \, 2p^2\)[/tex]: Incorrect, because it suggests a misplacement of electrons and too many electrons for boron.
4. [tex]\(1s^2 \, 2s^2 \, 2p^1\)[/tex]: Correct.
Thus, the electron configuration for boron is correctly given by:
[tex]\[
1s^2 \, 2s^2 \, 2p^1
\][/tex]
Therefore, the correct choice is option 4.
