Provide an example of the electron configuration of a transition element.

Example of the electron configuration of a transition element

The electron configuration of a transition element can be represented by the distribution of electrons in its orbitals.

Transition elements are elements that have partially filled d orbitals in their ground state. These elements are located in the middle of the periodic table, between the main group elements and the inner transition elements. Some examples of transition elements are iron, copper, and zinc.

The electron configuration of a transition element can be determined by using the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill the lowest energy orbitals first. For example, the electron configuration of iron (Fe) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d6. This means that iron has two electrons in the 1s orbital, two electrons in the 2s orbital, six electrons in the 2p orbital, two electrons in the 3s orbital, two electrons in the 3p orbital, two electrons in the 4s orbital, and six electrons in the 3d orbital.

The partially filled d orbitals in transition elements make them good candidates for forming complex ions and compounds. These compounds often exhibit interesting properties such as colour, magnetism, and catalytic activity.

In summary, the electron configuration of a transition element can be determined by using the Aufbau principle. The partially filled d orbitals in transition elements make them unique and useful in various applications.