Question

Identify the pair of elements in which the number of s-electrons to p-electrons ratio is 2:3:

• A. P, Mg
• B. P, Ca
• C. O, Mg
• D. O, S

Hint:

To find the ratio of s-electrons to p-electrons, count the total number of electrons in the respective orbitals for each element.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Phosphorus (P) has the electronic configuration \( 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^3 \), so it has 4 s-electrons and 3 p-electrons. Calcium (Ca) has the electronic configuration \( 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 \), so it has 6 s-electrons and 6 p-electrons. The ratio of s-electrons to p-electrons for the pair (P, Ca) is 2:3, making it the correct answer.