Question

What is the electronic configuration of the carbon atom?

(a) 1s^22s^22p^2

(b) σ1s^2σ*1s^2σ2s^2σ*2s^2π2px^2π2py^2

(c) 1s^22s^22p^1

(d) σ1s^2σ*1s σ2s^2π2px^2π2py^2

I have been asked this question in an interview.

Question is from Bonding in Some Homonuclear Diatomic Molecules in section Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure of Chemistry – Class 11

Answer 1

Right option is (a) 1s^22s^22p^2

Easiest explanation: The given question electronic configuration of carbon “atom”, but not carbon “molecule”. So by following Aufbau’s principle and noting that carbon contains 6 electrons, the answer is given as 1s^22s^22p^2.