Which of the following electrons configurations correctly represents an inert element?
Answer Details
An inert element is an element that has a stable electron configuration, which means it is not likely to lose, gain or share electrons. It is also known as a noble gas. The correct electron configuration for an inert element is a full outermost energy level, which is represented as an electron configuration with eight valence electrons. Therefore, the electron configuration that correctly represents an inert element is 1s22s22p6. This configuration represents the noble gas, neon (Ne), which has a full outermost energy level and does not easily react with other elements.