The number of unpaired electron in G. S., first E.S. and second E.S. of S () are, respectively, — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Ground State (G.S.) of S is $[Ne] 3s^2 3p^4$, which has 2 unpaired electrons in 3p. First Excited State (E.S.) promotes one 3p electron to 3d: $[Ne] 3s^2 3p^3 3d^1$, giving 4 unpaired electrons. Second E.S. promotes one 3s electron to 3d: $[Ne] 3s^1 3p^3 3d^2$, giving 6 unpaired electrons. The sequence is 2, 4, 6. Therefore, correct answer is B.