Lithium Electronic Configuration: Aufbau Principle In Action
A neutral atom of lithium, an alkali metal with atomic number 3, possesses three electrons. Quantum mechanics dictates the behavior of these electrons, which occupy specific orbitals within shells based on energy levels. The Aufbau principle guides the filling of orbitals, resulting in a neutral lithium atom having the electronic configuration 1s^2 2s^1. This signifies…