The electronic configuration of chalcogens is :
1) `ns^2np^2`
2) `ns^2 np^3`
3) `ns^2 np^4`
4) `ns^2np^5`

Options

A. `ns^2np^2`
B. `ns^2 np^3`
C. `ns^2 np^4`
D. `ns^2np^5`

Answer

To determine the electronic configuration of chalcogens, we need to understand what chalcogens are and their position in the periodic table.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify Chalcogens**:
- Chalcogens are the elements found in Group 16 of the periodic table. This group includes elements like oxygen (O), sulfur (S), selenium (Se), tellurium (Te), and polonium (Po).

2. **Determine the General Electronic Configuration**:
- The general electronic configuration for elements in Group 16 can be expressed as `ns^2 np^4`, where:
- `n` is the principal quantum number that corresponds to the period in which the element is located.
- `s` and `p` refer to the type of orbitals being filled.

3. **Analyze the Options**:
- The options provided are:
1. `ns^2 np^2`
2. `ns^2 np^3`
3. `ns^2 np^4`
4. `ns^2 np^5`
- From our understanding of chalcogens, we can see that the correct configuration must have `np` orbitals filled with 4 electrons, which corresponds to the `ns^2 np^4` configuration.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct electronic configuration of chalcogens is **`ns^2 np^4`**.

### Final Answer:
The electronic configuration of chalcogens is **`ns^2 np^4`** (Option 3).

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