Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for the Mo³⁺ ion?
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds
Electron Configurations of Transition Metals
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the number of d-orbital electrons in the complex [Ni(H2O)6]2+ and the total electron count for the nickel ion in this complex?
A
8 d-orbital electrons, 26 total electrons
B
6 d-orbital electrons, 28 total electrons
C
8 d-orbital electrons, 28 total electrons
D
10 d-orbital electrons, 28 total electrons
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the oxidation state of nickel in the complex [Ni(H2O)6]2+. Since the complex has a 2+ charge and water (H2O) is a neutral ligand, the oxidation state of nickel is +2.
Determine the electron configuration of a neutral nickel atom. Nickel (Ni) has an atomic number of 28, so its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d^8 4s^2.
Account for the oxidation state of nickel. Since Ni is in the +2 oxidation state, it loses 2 electrons. These electrons are removed from the 4s orbital first, resulting in the electron configuration [Ar] 3d^8.
Count the number of d-orbital electrons in the Ni^2+ ion. From the electron configuration [Ar] 3d^8, we see that there are 8 electrons in the d-orbitals.
Calculate the total electron count for the nickel ion in the complex. The electron configuration [Ar] 3d^8 indicates that there are 18 electrons from the argon core and 8 d-electrons, totaling 26 electrons for the Ni^2+ ion.
Related Videos
Related Practice
Electron Configurations of Transition Metals practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations