Question

What element has the electron configuration `1s^(2)2s^(2)2p^(6)3s^(2)3p^(2)`?

Answer 1

Given that the element is neutral, and that there are 14 electrons, clearly `Z`, the atomic number `=` `14`.

Explanation:

If `Z` `=` `14`, the element is unequivocally indentified. Consult your handy Periodic Table.

It was given that there were 14 electrons. Given a neutral atom, there MUST be 14 positively charged particles in the element's nucleus. Thus `Z`, the atomic number, MUST be 14.

I'll give you a hint, the element's name starts with an `"S"`, hmm, sulfur, selenium, scandium??????