Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The electronic configuration of an atom describes how its electrons are distributed among different energy levels (shells).
The maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in the $n$-th shell is given by the formula $2n^2$, where $n = 1$ is the K shell, $n = 2$ is the L shell, and $n = 3$ is the M shell.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us determine the electronic configurations of each element based on their atomic numbers ($Z$):
(A) Magnesium (Mg):
The atomic number of Magnesium is 12, meaning a neutral atom has 12 electrons.
The K shell ($n=1$) holds 2 electrons, the L shell ($n=2$) holds 8 electrons, and the remaining 2 electrons go to the M shell ($n=3$).
Thus, its configuration is 2, 8, 2.
Hence, (A) matches with (IV).
(B) Sodium (Na):
The atomic number of Sodium is 11, meaning a neutral atom has 11 electrons.
The K shell holds 2 electrons, the L shell holds 8 electrons, and the remaining 1 electron goes to the M shell.
Thus, its configuration is 2, 8, 1.
Hence, (B) matches with (III).
(C) Lithium (Li):
The atomic number of Lithium is 3, meaning a neutral atom has 3 electrons.
The K shell holds 2 electrons, and the remaining 1 electron goes to the L shell.
Thus, its configuration is 2, 1.
Hence, (C) matches with (I).
(D) Chlorine (Cl):
The atomic number of Chlorine is 17, meaning a neutral atom has 17 electrons.
The K shell holds 2 electrons, the L shell holds 8 electrons, and the remaining 7 electrons go to the M shell.
Thus, its configuration is 2, 8, 7.
Hence, (D) matches with (II).
Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct matching sequence is:
(A) - (IV), (B) - (III), (C) - (I), (D) - (II).
This corresponds to Option (C).