To determine the ground state electron configuration of CO3+, we start by considering the electron configuration of a neutral carbon atom (C) and then account for the additional positive charge (+3) of the ion.
The electron configuration of a neutral carbon atom (C) is 1s2 2s2 2p2. Let's break down the electron configuration and adjust it for CO3+:
1s2: Represents the 1s orbital, which can hold up to two electrons. The 1s orbital is filled.
2s2: Represents the 2s orbital, which can hold up to two electrons. The 2s orbital is also filled.
2p2: Represents the 2p orbitals (2px, 2py, and 2pz), which can hold a total of six electrons (two electrons per orbital). Two of the 2p orbitals are filled, but one remains vacant.
Now, since CO3+ carries a positive charge of +3, it indicates that three electrons have been removed from the neutral carbon atom. Therefore, we subtract three electrons from the electron configuration.
Taking these factors into account, the ground state electron configuration of CO3+ is:
1s2 2s2 2p1
This means that CO3+ has two electrons in the 1s orbital, two electrons in the 2s orbital, and only one electron in the 2p orbital.