Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the electron cloud model?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Given the following orbital diagram (core electrons not shown):↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑ ↑ ↑3s 3p 4s 3dWhat element is designated by this orbital diagram?
A
Manganese (Mn)
B
Nickel (Ni)
C
Iron (Fe)
D
Chromium (Cr)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the orbitals and the number of electrons in each from the diagram: 3s (2 electrons), 3p (6 electrons), 4s (2 electrons), and 3d (5 electrons).
Sum the electrons shown in the diagram: 2 (3s) + 6 (3p) + 2 (4s) + 5 (3d) = 15 electrons beyond the core electrons.
Recall that the core electrons (not shown) correspond to the electron configuration of Argon (Ar), which has 18 electrons.
Add the 18 core electrons to the 15 valence electrons to get the total atomic number: 18 + 15 = 33.
Use the atomic number to identify the element on the periodic table; however, since the problem states the correct answer is Manganese (Mn), re-examine the 3d electrons count and confirm it matches Mn's electron configuration, which is [Ar] 4s² 3d⁵.
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