Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the ground state electron configuration for the element neodymium (Nd, atomic number 60)?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for the Y^{3+} ion?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 4d^0
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 4d^1
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 4d^3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of yttrium (Y), which is 39. This means a neutral yttrium atom has 39 electrons.
Write the electron configuration for the neutral yttrium atom by filling orbitals in order of increasing energy: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, and 4d.
Determine the electron configuration for Y^{3+} by removing 3 electrons from the neutral atom. Remember that electrons are removed first from the highest principal quantum number (n) orbitals, which are the outermost orbitals.
Remove electrons starting from the 5s orbital, then from the 4d orbital if necessary, because these have higher energy than the 4p and 3d orbitals.
Write the final electron configuration for Y^{3+} after removing the 3 electrons, ensuring the correct order and number of electrons in each subshell.
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