Which one of the following represents the electronic configuration of the most electropositive element?

Options

A. `[He]2s^(1)`
B. `[Ne]3s^(2)`
C. `[Xe]6s^(1)`
D. `[Xe]6s^(2)`

Answer

To determine the electronic configuration of the most electropositive element, we need to analyze the given configurations based on their ionization energies and the stability of the outermost electron shells. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand Electropositivity
Electropositivity refers to the ability of an element to lose electrons and form positive ions. Elements with low ionization energies are generally more electropositive because they can easily lose their outermost electrons.

### Step 2: Analyze the Given Configurations
We have four electronic configurations to consider:
1. **2s¹**
2. **3s²**
3. **6s¹**
4. **6s²**

### Step 3: Examine Each Configuration
- **2s¹**: This configuration indicates that there is one electron in the 2s orbital. It has a relatively low ionization energy because it only needs to lose one electron.

- **3s²**: This configuration has two electrons in the 3s orbital. While it can lose electrons, the presence of two electrons means it has a higher ionization energy compared to 2s¹.

- **6s¹**: This configuration has one electron in the 6s orbital. Being in the sixth shell, the atomic radius is larger, and the outermost electron is further from the nucleus, resulting in a lower ionization energy compared to 2s¹.

- **6s²**: This configuration has two electrons in the 6s orbital. Although it has a larger atomic radius, the presence of two electrons means it has a higher ionization energy, making it less electropositive.

### Step 4: Compare the Configurations
Now we compare the configurations based on their ability to lose electrons:
- **2s¹** has a low ionization energy but is in a lower energy level.
- **3s²** has a higher ionization energy due to having two electrons.
- **6s¹** has a low ionization energy and is in a higher energy level, making it easier to lose the outermost electron.
- **6s²** has a higher ionization energy due to having two electrons.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Among the configurations analyzed, **6s¹** represents the most electropositive element because it has the lowest ionization energy due to its larger atomic radius and only one electron to lose.

### Final Answer
The electronic configuration of the most electropositive element is **6s¹**.

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