What is the electron configuration of magnesium?

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A color-coded periodic table of the elements displays each element's symbol and atomic number, with categories such as alkali metals, noble gases, halogens, transition metals, and actinoid elements distinguished by different background colors. — alkaline-earth metal Modern version of the periodic table of the elements (printable).

The electron configuration of magnesium is $1 s^{2} 2 s^{2} 2 p^{6} 3 s^{2}$ .1

This can also be expressed in shorthand notation as $[N e] 3 s^{2}$ , reflecting its position as an alkaline-earth metal in Group 2 of the periodic table, where it possesses a stable noble gas core followed by two valence s electrons.21