Which element is paired with an excited-state electron configuration for an atom of the element? (1) ca: 2-8-8-2 (2) na: 2-8-2(3) k: 2-6-8-3 (4) f: 2-8

Answer : Option 3) K : 2-6-8-3

Explanation : The element which is paired with an excited state electron configuration for an atom of the element is Potassium (K).

Potassium has atomic number as 19. According to 2-8-8 Rule the shell 'K' can accommodate only 2 electrons. Shell 'L' will have 8 electrons in it and Shell 'M' will have another 8 electrons in it. Shell 'N' will have 1 electron.

As it is ground state it will have 2-8-8-1 electron configuration. In excited state, it will have the electron configuration as 2-6-8-3.

Rest all the other options has the electron configuration similar to their ground state