Electron Configuration for Bi

[Alyssa Truong 1L]

Hi! The electron configuration for Bi is [Xe]4f^14 5d^10 6s^2 6p^3 and I understand where all parts come from except for the 4f^14. Can anyone help explain why 4f^14 is included and how to find that using the periodic table? Thank you!

[Varsha 1G]

Hi! The 4f¹⁴ comes from the f orbitals which are shown by the lanthanides and actinides on the periodic table. In group 3 of period 6, you see that it says lanthanoids so you jump down to that section, where there are 14 elements in each period, and then jump back up and continue the electron configuration. Hope this helps.