Problem 2.47

[604807557]

For each of the following ground-state atoms, predict the type of orbital (1s, 2p, 3d, 4f, etc.) from which an electron will be removed to form the +1 ion: (a) Ge; (b) Mn; (c) Ba; (d) Au.

The answers are: (a) 4p; (b) 4s; (c) 6s; (d) 6s

What method should I use to get the correct answers?

[Stephanie H]

Write the electron configuration of each and typically the last orbital will not be completely filled, so that will be the orbital the electron will be removed from.

[Paul Wong1B]

Be sure that when removing electrons, the electrons from the ns state are removed first before removing those from the (n-1)d state. (e.g. 4s state electrons before 3d electrons)

[DavidEcheverri3J]

Be sure that when removing electrons, the electrons from the ns state are removed first before removing those from the (n-1)d state. (e.g. 4s state electrons before 3d electrons)

what this means is, for example in B, 3d^5 comes before 4s^2 when written out, so since 4s^2 is in front that is the orbital you would be using