Textbook Question
Will a compound that contains a Fe6+ ion be an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent? Explain.
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds
Electron Configurations of Transition Metals
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How many d electrons are present in the tungsten (W) atom in the WO₄²⁻ ion?
A
8
B
6
C
2
D
4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of tungsten (W), which is 74, and determine its electron configuration in the ground state: [Xe] 4f14 5d4 6s2.
Understand that in the WO₄²⁻ ion, tungsten is in a high oxidation state. Typically, tungsten in this ion is in the +6 oxidation state.
Calculate the number of electrons removed from tungsten when it forms the WO₄²⁻ ion. Since tungsten is in the +6 oxidation state, 6 electrons are removed.
Determine which electrons are removed first. Electrons are removed from the outermost shell first, so the 6s and 5d electrons are removed.
Calculate the remaining d electrons after removing 6 electrons. Initially, tungsten has 4 d electrons (5d4), and after removing 6 electrons (2 from 6s and 4 from 5d), 0 d electrons remain.
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