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Multiple Choice
Write the condensed electron configuration and electron orbital diagram for the following element: Zinc
A
[Ar] 4s2 3d9
B
[Kr] 4s2 3d10
C
[Ar] 4s2 3d10
D
[Ar] 4s1 3d10
3 Comments
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the element Zinc (Zn) in the periodic table, which has an atomic number of 30.
Recall that the electron configuration of an element is determined by filling the orbitals in order of increasing energy, following the Aufbau principle, Hund's rule, and the Pauli exclusion principle.
Start with the nearest noble gas configuration before Zinc, which is Argon (Ar), and then add electrons to the 4s and 3d orbitals.
The correct electron configuration for Zinc is [Ar] 4s^2 3d^10, as Zinc has a full 3d subshell and a filled 4s subshell.
The electron orbital diagram for Zinc will show two electrons in the 4s orbital and ten electrons filling the 3d orbitals, with each orbital containing paired electrons.