Open Question
What are the electron configurations of the six cations that sulfur forms, by losing one to six electrons? For cations with unpaired electrons, please provide orbital diagrams.
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration: Ions
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What is the complete electron configuration for Zn²⁺?
A
[Ar] 3d⁸ 4s²
B
[Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s²
C
[Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹
D
[Ar] 3d¹⁰
Verified step by step guidance1
Start by identifying the electron configuration of a neutral zinc (Zn) atom. Zinc has an atomic number of 30, which means it has 30 electrons. The electron configuration for a neutral zinc atom is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s².
Understand that Zn²⁺ indicates a zinc ion with a charge of +2. This means that the zinc atom has lost 2 electrons.
Determine which electrons are removed when forming Zn²⁺. Electrons are typically removed from the outermost shell first, which in this case is the 4s orbital.
Remove the 2 electrons from the 4s orbital of the neutral zinc atom's electron configuration. This leaves the electron configuration as [Ar] 3d¹⁰.
Conclude that the complete electron configuration for Zn²⁺ is [Ar] 3d¹⁰, as the 4s electrons have been removed.
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