Question

What is the electronic configuration of the boron atom?

Answer 1

You mean to refer to the atomic orbitals of boron.......

Explanation:

Boron, `Z=5`, has 3 electrons in its valence shell, i.e. its atomic configuration is `1s^(2)2s^(2)2p^(1)`. The `2s` and `2p` valence electrons are conceived to hybridize to give THREE `sp^2` hybrid orbitals, and to a first approximation boron forms 3 covalent bonds, i.e. to give `BH_3`, or `BX_3`, or `BR_3`.

Of course this is to a first approximation. Boron is known to undergo electron-deficient bonding, with `"3-centre, 2-electron bonds"` between boron and hydrogen featured.