Multiple Choice
Which orbital-filling diagram represents the ground state electron configuration of chromium (Cr, atomic number 24)?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following represents the correct electron configuration for a neutral atom of zinc (Zn)?
A
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^8
B
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10}
C
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 3d^{10} 4s^2 4p^2
D
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 4d^{10}
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of zinc (Zn), which is 30. This means a neutral zinc atom has 30 electrons to be placed in orbitals according to the Aufbau principle.
Recall the order of orbital filling based on increasing energy levels: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, then 3d, followed by 4p, and so on.
Fill the orbitals with electrons following the order and the maximum number of electrons each orbital can hold: s orbitals hold 2, p orbitals hold 6, and d orbitals hold 10 electrons.
For zinc, after filling 1s^2, 2s^2, 2p^6, 3s^2, and 3p^6 (which accounts for 18 electrons), place 2 electrons in 4s, then fill the 3d orbital with the remaining 10 electrons to reach a total of 30 electrons.
Write the electron configuration in the correct order, ensuring that the 4s orbital is filled before the 3d orbital, resulting in: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10}$.
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