Finding electron configurations
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Finding electron configurations
How do you find the electron configuration using noble gases? I understand that you need to list the noble gas from the previous period but how do you count afterwards? Say for example we are trying to find the electron configuration of Gallium(Ga) as well as the electron configuration of Niobium(Nb)
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Re: Finding electron configurations
Gallium would be [Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p1 . You use the noble gas as a shortcut/checkpoint so you don't have to write everything above. Then you just start with the next row like normal.
Re: Finding electron configurations
For Gallium, the electron configuration would be [Ar]3d104s24p1. You would first fill the d shell, which goes has space for ten electron, 2 in each of the five orbitals. Then you would fill the 4s shell, and then the p shell. Using this same logic, the electron configuration for Niobium would be [Kr]4d5.
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Re: Finding electron configurations
I believe that gallium's electron configuration is [Ar]4s23d104p1. To do this, you count the row that the element is in. Gallium is in period 4, so the s-orbital is in the 4th shell with all of its electrons filled (2). Then you enter the 3 d-block, where the maximum number of electrons in the orbital are filled (10). Lastly, you meet the p-block with just one electron in the 4th shell.
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Re: Finding electron configurations
You would write the noble gas that comes before the element you are trying to write the electron configuration number then write the electron configuration for additional electrons in the regular way. I found watching videos helped me more than reading explanations so that might help you too! This one helped me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFN9agJVea4
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