Homework 2.43 [ENDORSED]

[SammiOrsini_1B]

The question asks you to solve for Tungsten by finding the electron configuration of this element. I thought the answer would be [Xe]5d^46s^2 however the answer is [Xe]4f^14 5d^4 6s^2. I am confused as to how the f orbital was brought into this answer. Any help would be great!!

[kimberlysanchez-1E]

the f-block needs to be considered in this situation

[Kara Justeson 1B]

I might be wrong, but if I understand this correctly, the f block shown on the periodic table is inserted in the d block following Ba. Since Tungsten occurs after this block of elements, the f configuration would have to be considered.

[victoria1l]

Regarding this same question, I thought the electron configuration for silver (Ag) would be [Kr] 5s^2 4d^9 but the solutions manual has the answer as [Kr]4d^10 5s^1. Why does the 4d come before the 5s?

[Kara Justeson 1B]

I think for Ag, its because a fully filled or half filled d orbital is more stable, so it will try to be at either 5 or 10 electrons if possible. However, I'm not completely sure if it would then fill the 4d before the 5s or if it fills in the normal order but then transfers the electron to the 4d orbital for stability.

[victoria1l]

Thank you! that makes sense