Identify the element with an electronic configuration 2,8,1 from among the following options.

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Sodium

• The electronic configuration 2,8,1 corresponds to an element with 11 electrons, since:

  • 2 electrons in the first shell (K-shell),

  • 8 electrons in the second shell (L-shell),

  • 1 electron in the third shell (M-shell).

• The atomic number 11 belongs to Sodium (Na).

• Sodium is an alkali metal (Group 1) and is highly reactive due to the presence of 1 electron in its outermost shell, which it tends to lose easily to attain a stable configuration.

Information Booster:

• Sodium (Na): Atomic number = 11; configuration = 2,8,1

• Group: 1 (Alkali metals); Period: 3

• Reacts vigorously with water and stored in kerosene

• Essential element in nerve function and electrolyte balance

• Valency of sodium is +1