Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for a manganese (Mn) atom in its ground state?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which atom has the electron configuration 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10}?
A
Copper (Cu)
B
Zinc (Zn)
C
Iron (Fe)
D
Nickel (Ni)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the total number of electrons represented by the given electron configuration: $1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{6} 4s^{2} 3d^{10}$.
Add the electrons in each subshell: $2 + 2 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 2 + 10$ to find the total number of electrons.
Recall that the number of electrons in a neutral atom equals its atomic number, which identifies the element.
Compare the total number of electrons to the atomic numbers of the given elements: Copper (29), Zinc (30), Iron (26), and Nickel (28).
Determine which element corresponds to the total electron count from the configuration to identify the correct atom.
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