Chemistry Atomic Structure ETEA 2016
PMDC Verified Question 87 of 95
Which of the following electronic configuration is / are correct?

(i) \( _{29}\text{Cu} = 1s^2, 2s^2, 3p^6, 3s^1 \)
(ii) \( _{29}\text{Cu} = [Ar] 4s^1 3d^{10} \)
(iii) \( _{24}\text{Cr} = [Ar] 4s^1 3d^{10} \)
(iv) \( _{24}\text{Cr} = [Ar] 4s^2 3d^4 \)
A
(i) only
B
(ii) only
C
(i) and (ii) only
D
(ii) and (iii) only
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: (ii) only
Concept: Anomalous electronic configurations occur in transition metals to maximize stability via fully-filled (\(d^{10}\)) or half-filled (\(d^5\)) subshells.

Formula: None required.

Solution:
  • (i) is completely missing the \(2p\), \(4s\), and \(3d\) orbitals. It is blatantly incorrect.
  • (ii) correctly shows the anomalous configuration for Copper (\(Z=29\)), where an electron is promoted to achieve a stable, fully-filled \(3d\) subshell: \( [Ar] 4s^1 3d^{10} \).
  • (iii) incorrectly assigns 35 electrons to Chromium (\(Z=24\)). Its correct config is \( [Ar] 4s^1 3d^5 \).
  • (iv) is the predicted (but incorrect) Aufbau configuration for Chromium.
  • Hence, ONLY (ii) is correct.


Why other options are incorrect: They include structurally flawed or experimentally incorrect configurations.

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