Which electron configuration represents the electrons of an atom in an excited state?

Regents Chemistry August 2022

33 Which electron configuration represents the electrons of an atom in an excited state?

(1) 2-7-3

(2) 2-8-2 (3) 2-8-8-1

(4) 2-8-9-2

Explanation: An electron in an excited state is an electron that moved from the ground state to a higher energy level. The first level has a maximum of 2 electrons, the second level has a maximum of 8 electrons. As we see in the answer choice 1, instead of being 2-8-2, the electron moved from the second energy level to the third becoming 2-7-3.

Answer: 1