- Boron (5 electrons): 1s² 2s² 2p¹. Fill the 1s orbital with 2 electrons (↑↓), the 2s orbital with 2 electrons (↑↓), and place 1 electron in the first 2p orbital (↑).
- Oxygen (8 electrons): 1s² 2s² 2p⁴. Fill the 1s orbital with 2 electrons (↑↓), the 2s orbital with 2 electrons (↑↓), and place 4 electrons in the 2p orbitals: one electron in each of the three 2p orbitals (↑, ↑, ↑) and a second electron (↓) in the first 2p orbital.
- Phosphorus (15 electrons): 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³. Fill the 1s, 2s, and 2p orbitals completely (all paired). Fill the 3s orbital with 2 electrons (↑↓). Place 3 electrons in the 3p orbitals, one in each orbital (↑, ↑, ↑).
- Vanadium (23 electrons): 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d³. Fill all orbitals up to 3p completely. Fill the 4s orbital with 2 electrons (↑↓). Place 3 electrons in the 3d orbitals, one in each of the first three 3d orbitals (↑, ↑, ↑).
- Selenium (34 electrons): 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁴. Fill all orbitals up to 3d completely. Fill the 4s orbital with 2 electrons (↑↓). Place 4 electrons in the 4p orbitals: one electron in each of the three 4p orbitals (↑, ↑, ↑) and a second electron (↓) in the first 4p orbital.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of general chemistry worksheet.
