wiz-icon
MyQuestionIcon
MyQuestionIcon
1
You visited us 1 times! Enjoying our articles? Unlock Full Access!
Question

Why do the electron configurations of chromium and copper seem to disagree with what is expected according to the Aufbau principle?


Open in App
Solution

Aufbau Principle:

  • The position of an electron in various energy levels is determined using the Aufbau principle.
  • According to this, an atom's electrons are filled in order of increasing energy.
  • Before the atomic orbital with high energy, the one with lower energy is filled.

Reason Of Disagreement Between Electronic Configuration of Chromium And Copper:

  • The electronic number of Chromium and Copper is 24,29 respectively.
  • The expected electronic configuration of Chromium and Copper is 1s22s22p63s23p63d44s2 and 1s22s22p63s23p63d94s2 respectively.
  • But these electronic configurations are incorrect.
  • According to the Aufbau principle, the subshell that is half-filled or fully filled has greater stability.
  • Therefore, in the electronic configuration of Chromium and Copper, if one electron of 4s2 comes to the previous shell, it will make 3d4to3d5 and 3d9to3d10.
  • Now the d-orbital of Chromium and Copper is half-filled and fully filled and this will increase the stability of the atom.
  • So, the correct configuration of Chromium is 1s22s22p63s23p63d54s1 and Copper is 1s22s22p63s23p63d104s1.

flag
Suggest Corrections
thumbs-up
0
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
similar_icon
Related Videos
thumbnail
lock
Introduction
CHEMISTRY
Watch in App
Join BYJU'S Learning Program
CrossIcon