Question

What is the general outer electronic configuration of the Oxygen family?

(a) ns^2np^4

(b) ns^2np^3

(c) ns^2np^5

(d) ns^2np^2

This question was addressed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.

My question comes from P-Block topic in section P-Block Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) ns^2np^4

Easiest explanation: The elements of group 16 have six electrons in the valence shell and hence their general outer electronic configuration is ns^2np^4. The four p-electrons are arranged in three p-orbitals as px^2py^1pz^1 in accordance with Hund’s rule.