What is the identity of the element with the electron configuration of 1s2 2s2 2p6
3s2 3p6 4s2?

answer : a model is often used to explain and make things easier to understand when any scientific topic needs to be demonstrated and explained.

as in this case where a scientist wants to use a model to present the results of his detailed scientific investigation. he should do it as it will him to make the audience understand the concept in a much better way. also, it can be changed according to new scientific understandings.