Select The Correct Answer.Which Element Has The Electron Configuration [Xe] 6s^2 4f^{14} 5d^{10} 6p^2$?A. Gold (atomic Number 79)B. Mercury (atomic Number 80)C. Lead (atomic Number 82)D. Potassium (atomic Number 19)E. Copper (atomic Number 29)
In chemistry, electron configuration is a way to describe the arrangement of electrons in an atom. It is a crucial concept in understanding the properties and behavior of elements. The electron configuration of an element is represented by a series of numbers and letters that indicate the energy levels and orbitals occupied by the electrons.
The Electron Configuration Given
The electron configuration given in the question is [Xe] 6s^2 4f^{14} 5d^{10} 6p^2$. This configuration indicates that the element has:
- A noble gas core of Xenon (Xe)
- Two electrons in the 6s orbital
- 14 electrons in the 4f orbital
- 10 electrons in the 5d orbital
- 2 electrons in the 6p orbital
Analyzing the Options
Let's analyze the options given to determine which element has the electron configuration [Xe] 6s^2 4f^{14} 5d^{10} 6p^2$.
Option A: Gold (Atomic Number 79)
Gold has an atomic number of 79, which means it has 79 electrons. The electron configuration of Gold is [Xe] 4f^{14} 5d^{10} 6s^1$. This configuration is close to the given configuration, but it has only one electron in the 6s orbital, not two.
Option B: Mercury (Atomic Number 80)
Mercury has an atomic number of 80, which means it has 80 electrons. The electron configuration of Mercury is [Xe] 4f^{14} 5d^{10} 6s^2$. This configuration is very close to the given configuration, but it has two electrons in the 6s orbital, not in the 6p orbital.
Option C: Lead (Atomic Number 82)
Lead has an atomic number of 82, which means it has 82 electrons. The electron configuration of Lead is [Xe] 4f^{14} 5d^{10} 6s^2 6p^2$. This configuration matches the given configuration exactly.
Option D: Potassium (Atomic Number 19)
Potassium has an atomic number of 19, which means it has 19 electrons. The electron configuration of Potassium is [Ar] 4s^1$. This configuration is very different from the given configuration.
Option E: Copper (Atomic Number 29)
Copper has an atomic number of 29, which means it has 29 electrons. The electron configuration of Copper is [Ar] 3d^{10} 4s^1$. This configuration is very different from the given configuration.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis of the options, the correct answer is C. Lead (Atomic Number 82). The electron configuration of Lead matches the given configuration exactly, with two electrons in the 6s orbital and two electrons in the 6p orbital.
Understanding the Significance of Electron Configuration
Electron configuration is a crucial concept in chemistry that helps us understand the properties and behavior of elements. By analyzing the electron configuration of an element, we can predict its chemical properties, such as its reactivity and its ability to form ions or compounds.
Real-World Applications of Electron Configuration
Electron configuration has many real-world applications in chemistry and other fields. For example:
- Chemical Synthesis: Electron configuration is used to predict the reactivity of elements and to design chemical syntheses.
- Materials Science: Electron configuration is used to understand the properties of materials, such as their conductivity and magnetic properties.
- Biological Systems: Electron configuration is used to understand the behavior of biological molecules, such as proteins and DNA.
Conclusion
Q: What is electron configuration?
A: Electron configuration is a way to describe the arrangement of electrons in an atom. It is a crucial concept in understanding the properties and behavior of elements.
Q: Why is electron configuration important?
A: Electron configuration is important because it helps us understand the properties and behavior of elements. By analyzing the electron configuration of an element, we can predict its chemical properties, such as its reactivity and its ability to form ions or compounds.
Q: How is electron configuration determined?
A: Electron configuration is determined by the number of electrons in an atom and the energy levels and orbitals occupied by those electrons. The electron configuration of an element is represented by a series of numbers and letters that indicate the energy levels and orbitals occupied by the electrons.
Q: What is the noble gas core?
A: The noble gas core is a group of electrons that are arranged in a specific way to form a stable configuration. The noble gas core is typically represented by a noble gas atom, such as Xenon (Xe).
Q: What is the Aufbau principle?
A: The Aufbau principle is a rule that states that electrons occupy the lowest available energy levels in an atom. This principle is used to determine the electron configuration of an element.
Q: What is the Pauli exclusion principle?
A: The Pauli exclusion principle is a rule that states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of quantum numbers. This principle is used to determine the electron configuration of an element.
Q: What is Hund's rule?
A: Hund's rule is a rule that states that when filling orbitals, electrons occupy empty orbitals before pairing up in an orbital. This principle is used to determine the electron configuration of an element.
Q: How is electron configuration used in chemistry?
A: Electron configuration is used in chemistry to predict the reactivity of elements and to design chemical syntheses. It is also used to understand the properties of materials and biological systems.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when working with electron configuration?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid when working with electron configuration include:
- Failing to account for the noble gas core
- Failing to follow the Aufbau principle
- Failing to follow the Pauli exclusion principle
- Failing to follow Hund's rule
Q: How can I practice working with electron configuration?
A: You can practice working with electron configuration by:
- Writing electron configurations for different elements
- Identifying the noble gas core in different electron configurations
- Applying the Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle, and Hund's rule to different electron configurations
- Using online resources and practice problems to help you learn and practice working with electron configuration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, electron configuration is a crucial concept in chemistry that helps us understand the properties and behavior of elements. By analyzing the electron configuration of an element, we can predict its chemical properties and behavior. By practicing working with electron configuration, you can become more confident and proficient in using this concept to solve problems and understand chemical systems.