What is the abbreviated ground-state configuration of the Group 18 element following Radon (Z = 86)?

The ground-state electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom at its lowest energy level. For the Group 18 element following Radon (which is Radon with atomic number 86), we need to determine the configuration for the next element, which is Oganesson (Og) with atomic number 118.

Starting from Radon, we recognize that its electron configuration is [Rn] 7s^2 5f^14 6d^{10}. The next electrons, filling those available orbitals, lead us to fill the 7p subshell. In this case, since we are looking for the electron configuration of Oganesson, we would fill the 7p subshell entirely, resulting in 7p^6.

Therefore, the complete electron configuration for Oganesson would indeed be [Rn] 7s^2 5f^14 6d^{10} 7p^6. This is consistent with option A.

The other options do not accurately reflect the correct placement of electrons following Radon. For instance, options that suggest varying numbers of electrons in the 5f, 6d, or 7p subshells misrepresent the maximum number of electrons that can occupy