Textbook Question
Write the full electron configuration for each element. a. C b. P c. Ar d. Na
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 nickel (Ni)?
A
[Ar] 3d^7 4s^2
B
[Ar] 3d^10 4s^0
C
[Ar] 3d^9 4s^1
D
[Ar] 3d^8 4s^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of nickel (Ni), which is 28. This means a neutral nickel atom has 28 electrons.
Recall the order of electron filling according to the Aufbau principle: electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level to the highest. The order is: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, etc.
Write the electron configuration for nickel by filling the orbitals in the correct order: Start with 1s², then 2s², 2p⁶, 3s², 3p⁶, 4s², and finally 3d⁸. This accounts for all 28 electrons.
Recognize that the electron configuration can be abbreviated using the noble gas core notation. Argon (Ar) has an electron configuration of [Ar] = 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶, which accounts for 18 electrons.
Subtract the electrons accounted for by [Ar] from the total 28 electrons of nickel, leaving 10 electrons to be placed in the 3d and 4s orbitals. Thus, the electron configuration for nickel is [Ar] 3d⁸ 4s².
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