Question

which electron configuration represents the distribution of electrons in a potassium atom in the ground state

Answer 1

Hello dear,

Potassium-

Atomic number 19

Hence no of electrons 19

If you're talking about the shell structure is 2.8.8.1.

For ground state electron configuration of gaseous neutral potassium,

Let's say we have 19 electrons, so no of electrons in each orbital will depend upon its maximum capacity.

So 1s will have 2 electrons

2s will have 2 electrons

2p will have 6 electrons

3s will have 2 electrons

3p will have 6 electrons

4s will have 1 electrons

We write this as 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1.

Alternatively it's also known as [Ar] 4s1

Hope it helps...