Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for potassium (K)?
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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 zirconium (atomic number 40)?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 4d^4
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 5d^2
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^4
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of zirconium, which is 40, meaning it has 40 electrons to place in orbitals according to the Aufbau principle.
Recall the order of orbital filling based on increasing energy levels: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, and so on.
Fill the orbitals in order, making sure to respect the maximum number of electrons each orbital can hold: s (2 electrons), p (6 electrons), d (10 electrons).
After filling up to 4p^6 (which accounts for 36 electrons), place the remaining 4 electrons in the next available orbitals, which are 5s and 4d.
Remember that for transition metals like zirconium, the 5s orbital fills before the 4d orbital, so the correct configuration will have 5s^2 followed by 4d^2.
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