The Electron Configuration for Magnesium is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2. What is the Distribution of Electrons in the Electron Shells of a Magnesium Atom

Answer:

• The 1s orbital is occupied by the first two electrons. Two electrons can be accommodated in the 1s orbital.
• Magnesium’s next two electrons are in the 2s orbital.
• The 6p orbital will receive the next six electrons. Up to six electrons can fit in the p orbital.
• Six electrons will be placed in the 2p orbital, followed by two electrons in the 3s orbital.
• The electron configuration of Magnesium will therefore be 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²

The electron count of the Mg atom is 12 electrons. Magnesium’s electron configuration is,  MgZ=12= 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²