To determine which element the electron configuration \(1s^2 \, 2s^2 \, 2p^2\) represents, let's follow this step-by-step process:
1. Understand the Electron Configuration Notation:
- \(1s^2\): This indicates the first energy level (n=1) s orbital contains 2 electrons.
- \(2s^2\): This indicates the second energy level (n=2) s orbital contains 2 electrons.
- \(2p^2\): This indicates the second energy level (n=2) p orbital contains 2 electrons.
2. Calculate the Total Number of Electrons:
- The total number of electrons is the sum of the electrons in each part of the configuration:
[tex]\[
2 \, (from \, 1s^2) + 2 \, (from \, 2s^2) + 2 \, (from \, 2p^2) = 6 \, electrons.
\][/tex]
3. Identify the Element in the Periodic Table:
- The atomic number of an element corresponds to the number of electrons in a neutral atom.
- An atom with 6 electrons has the atomic number 6.
4. Match the Atomic Number to the Element:
- The element with atomic number 6 is Carbon (C).
Hence, the electron configuration \(1s^2 \, 2s^2 \, 2p^2\) represents the element Carbon (C). Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{\text{C}} \][/tex]
