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Which shows the electron configuration of an atom of a transition metal? A [Ar] 4s²3d⁵ B [Ar] 4s²3d⁰ C [Ar] 4s²3d¹⁰ D [Ar] 4s²3d⁴p¹ - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 17 - 2020 - Paper 3
Question 17
![Which-shows-the-electron-configuration-of-an-atom-of-a-transition-metal?--A-[Ar]-4s²3d⁵--B-[Ar]-4s²3d⁰--C-[Ar]-4s²3d¹⁰--D-[Ar]-4s²3d⁴p¹-AQA-A-Level Chemistry-Question 17-2020-Paper 3.png](https://cdn.simplestudy.io/assets/backend/uploads/question/Question_17_2020_Chemistry_P3.jpg)
Which shows the electron configuration of an atom of a transition metal? A [Ar] 4s²3d⁵ B [Ar] 4s²3d⁰ C [Ar] 4s²3d¹⁰ D [Ar] 4s²3d⁴p¹
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which shows the electron configuration of an atom of a transition metal? A [Ar] 4s²3d⁵ B [Ar] 4s²3d⁰ C [Ar] 4s²3d¹⁰ D [Ar] 4s²3d⁴p¹ - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 17 - 2020 - Paper 3
Step 1
Identify the correct electron configuration
Answer
The correct electron configuration for a transition metal must have partially filled d-orbitals. Among the options provided, option B: [Ar] 4s²3d⁰ indicates that the d-orbital is completely empty, which is not characteristic of transition metals.
- Option A: [Ar] 4s²3d⁵ has five electrons in the d-orbital, which is valid since it represents a transition metal (specifically manganese, atomic number 25).
- Option C: [Ar] 4s²3d¹⁰ indicates that the d-orbital is fully filled, corresponding to a transition metal like zinc, but it's less representative.
- Option D: [Ar] 4s²3d⁴p¹ suggests a higher principal quantum number, which moves it away from being termed a transition metal.
Therefore, the correct answer is B: [Ar] 4s²3d⁵.