Multiple Choice
Which element has a ground state electron configuration of [Ar] 4s2 3d10?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which element has the electron configuration 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^4?
A
Mn (Manganese)
B
Cr (Chromium)
C
V (Vanadium)
D
Fe (Iron)
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the total number of electrons in the given electron configuration: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^4$. Add the superscripts to find the total electrons: $2 + 2 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 2 + 4$.
Recall that the atomic number of an element equals the total number of electrons in a neutral atom. The element with this atomic number corresponds to the given electron configuration.
Compare the total number of electrons calculated to the atomic numbers of the elements listed: Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr), Vanadium (V), and Iron (Fe).
Remember that the electron configuration follows the Aufbau principle, filling orbitals in order of increasing energy, and that the 4s orbital fills before the 3d orbital.
Use the total electron count and the known atomic numbers to determine which element matches the given electron configuration.
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