Textbook Question
Write the electron configuration for each ion. c. Sr2+ d. Co3+ e. Cu2+
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration: Ions
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What is the ground-state electron configuration of the ion Cu²⁺?
A
[Ar] 3d⁸ 4s²
B
[Ar] 3d¹⁰
C
[Ar] 3d⁷ 4s¹
D
[Ar] 3d⁹
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the electron configuration of a neutral copper (Cu) atom. Copper has an atomic number of 29, so its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹.
Understand that when forming a cation, electrons are removed from the outermost shell first. For transition metals like copper, the 4s electrons are removed before the 3d electrons.
Since Cu²⁺ is a 2+ ion, it means two electrons are removed from the neutral copper atom.
Remove the first electron from the 4s orbital, which changes the configuration to [Ar] 3d¹⁰.
Remove the second electron from the 3d orbital, resulting in the electron configuration [Ar] 3d⁹ for the Cu²⁺ ion.
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