To determine which element the electron configuration [tex]\( \text{1s}^2 2\text{s}^2 2\text{p}^2 \)[/tex] represents, we need to follow a few steps. Here's a detailed, step-by-step solution:
1. Identify the Number of Electrons:
- The electron configuration is given as [tex]\( \text{1s}^2 2\text{s}^2 2\text{p}^2 \)[/tex].
- [tex]\( \text{1s}^2 \)[/tex] means there are 2 electrons in the 1s orbital.
- [tex]\( \text{2s}^2 \)[/tex] means there are 2 electrons in the 2s orbital.
- [tex]\( \text{2p}^2 \)[/tex] means there are 2 electrons in the 2p orbital.
- Sum of electrons: [tex]\( 2 (1\text{s}) + 2 (2\text{s}) + 2 (2\text{p}) = 6 \)[/tex] electrons.
2. Determine the Atomic Number:
- The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of electrons in a neutral atom. In this case, the total number of electrons is 6, so the atomic number is 6.
3. Identify the Element:
- Using the periodic table, the element with atomic number 6 is Carbon (C).
Therefore, the element with the electron configuration [tex]\( \text{1s}^2 2\text{s}^2 2\text{p}^2 \)[/tex] is Carbon (C).
