f-orbital

[Carly Yoon]

How do you know when an element has electrons in the f-orbital?
For example, for 2A5b., why is the electron configuration for Bi3+, [Xe]4f^14 5d^10 6s^2?

[Meghan Spoeri 2D]

Hi! An element has electrons in the f-orbital if it has an atomic number greater than 57. The "f-block" on the periodic table are elements #58-103. So Bi+3 has the same electron configuration as Hg since you are taking away 3 electrons from its normal configuration due to its positive 3 charge. Since Hg has an atomic number of 80, it has f orbitals. Therefore, the electron configuration of Bi+3 is [Xe]4f^14 5d^10 6s^2.

[Jessica Phung 1E]

To add on, a lot of periodic tables have s, p, d and f blocks which shows you exactly when you need to start considering the f block. Hope this helps! Also, I think Lavelle mentioned that the f block isn't necessary for this class.

[Omar Alkhalili 1J]

Hello! I believe we don't need to worry too much about the f block in this course, but the f-orbital is only included for elements in the "f-block" which can be found on many periodic tables. I believe it is for elements with an atomic number over 57 as Meghan mentioned.

[Melody_Tapia_1J]

Hello! In case you're still interested like I was here's a video that allowed me to understand how the f-orbital is incorporated for the Bi electron configuration for the question.

https://youtu.be/xP3aeTGXEeo

[405716590]

There are those spaces on our period table with 14 elements in them but they are not listed and those include the f-block

[Shawn Suen]

the f orbital number starts at 4 and the f block is the lanthanide series and the actinides and the f orbital can hold up to 14 electron

[Trisha Nagin]

I don't think you need to worry about the f orbital for this course, but it starts at 4. Also the f- block on the periodic table should show you where it is.