Let's analyze the given electron configuration step-by-step to determine which element it represents.
The electron configuration is [tex]\(1s^2 2s^2 2p^2\)[/tex]. This notation helps us understand how electrons are distributed in an atom's orbitals. Let's break it down:
1. First Energy Level (n=1):
- [tex]\(1s^2\)[/tex]: This notation indicates that there are 2 electrons in the 1s orbital.
2. Second Energy Level (n=2):
- [tex]\(2s^2\)[/tex]: This indicates that there are 2 electrons in the 2s orbital.
- [tex]\(2p^2\)[/tex]: This indicates that there are 2 electrons in the 2p orbital.
Now, we sum the electrons in each part of the configuration:
[tex]\[
2 \text{ (from } 1s\text{)} + 2 \text{ (from } 2s\text{)} + 2 \text{ (from } 2p\text{)} = 6 \text{ electrons}
\][/tex]
The total number of electrons in the atom is 6. The atomic number of an element is equal to the number of electrons in a neutral atom. Therefore, an element with 6 electrons and an atomic number of 6 is Carbon (C).
So, the electron configuration [tex]\(1s^2 2s^2 2p^2\)[/tex] represents the element Carbon (C).
