Why is the d shell filled before s

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In summary, the metal with the electron shell configuration of [Ar] 3d10 s1 is C. Au. This is due to irregularities in the Aufbau principle for d and s electrons in the 5th to 11th columns of the periodic table, which cover most transition metals. These irregularities occur because half-filled d sublevels are more stable than other electron configurations, leading to some electrons promoting themselves to a higher sublevel.
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Homework Statement


The metal with the electron shell configuration of [Ar] 3d10 s1 is

A. Cu
B. Ag
C. Au
D. Zn
E. Al

Homework Equations


-[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't really know how because shouldn't the s shell be filled before the d shell in period 4?

Thanks!
 
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Some electron configurations differ from those assigned using the aufbau principle because half filled sublevels are not as stable as filled sublevels but are more stable than other electron configuration. For example in copper, the 4s electron promotes itself to the 3d sublevel. Originally, the 3d sublevel would have 9 electrons, making it a partially filled d sublevel. If the 4s electron promotes itself to the 3d sublevel, the 3d sublevel would then be completely filled and the 4s sublevel half filled.
 
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Thanks, is this for a specific area on the transition metals or is there no specific area?
 
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Irregularities to the Aufbau principle for d and s electrons occur in the 5th to 11th columns of the periodic table, so it covers most transition metals. Note that there are no strict rules there either, for instance:
Ni: 3d8 4s2
Pd: 4d10
Pt: 5d9 6s1
 
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1. Why is the d shell filled before the s shell?

The d shell is filled before the s shell due to the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy. The d orbitals have a slightly higher energy than the s orbitals, so they are filled first.

2. Is there a specific reason for the order in which shells are filled?

Yes, the order in which shells are filled follows the Aufbau principle and the Pauli exclusion principle. The Aufbau principle states that electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy, while the Pauli exclusion principle states that no two electrons can have the same set of four quantum numbers, thus leading to the specific order of filling.

3. Can the order of filling shells change in different atoms?

Yes, the order of filling shells can vary in different atoms due to the different energy levels of the orbitals. For example, in transition metals, the d shell may be filled before the s shell due to the energy levels of the orbitals.

4. How does the filling of shells affect the properties of an element?

The filling of shells plays a significant role in determining the properties of an element. The number and arrangement of electrons in the shells determine the element's reactivity, chemical bonding, and physical properties such as melting and boiling points.

5. Is there any exception to the order of filling shells?

Yes, there are a few exceptions to the order of filling shells, such as the anomalous electron configuration of chromium and copper. In these cases, a half-filled or completely filled d orbital is more stable, so an electron from the s orbital is promoted to the d orbital. However, these exceptions do not change the overall trend of filling shells in order of increasing energy.

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