Order of electron configuration
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Order of electron configuration
Hello! I'm confused on how to correctly write electron configurations. For example, in the homework problem 1E.23, it asks for the electron configuration of Ga, Ge, As, Se and Br. For Ga, I wrote the electron configuration as [Ar] 4s23d104p1. However, in the solution manual, they wrote it as [Ar]3d104s24p1. Is there a specific order or can I write the electron configuration how I did.
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Re: Order of electron configuration
3d should come before 4s for atoms with an atomic number after 20
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Re: Order of electron configuration
The 3d orbital has a slightly lower energy level than the 4s orbital, which is why 3d comes before 4s. The 3d orbital is filled up with electrons first, then the 4s orbital, then the 4p orbital.
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Re: Order of electron configuration
After Atomic number 20 (i.e. 20 electrons) 3d has a slightly lower energy level and you want to fill them from low to high. So do 3d and then 4s
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Re: Order of electron configuration
Although 4s is filled first, you write 3D first because it still occupies a slighter lower energy level.
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Re: Order of electron configuration
3d is at a lower energy state than than 4s so it is written first, even though the d block comes after the s block in the periodic table.
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