Electronic configuration for ions

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The discussion centers on the complexities of predicting electronic configurations, particularly regarding the order of filling and removing electrons from orbitals. When applying the building-up principle, electrons are added to d-orbitals before p-orbitals for principal quantum numbers n ≥ 4. However, confusion arises when determining the order of electron removal for cations, as textbooks suggest removing electrons from np-orbitals first, then ns-orbitals, and finally (n-1)d-orbitals. This leads to questions about the rationale behind this order, particularly why (n-1)d-orbitals are filled before ns-orbitals but emptied afterward. Additionally, there is a request for clarification on how energy levels are calculated, specifically why E((n-1)d) is greater than E(ns) for n ≥ 4, and how ionization affects orbital energy levels, making them more hydrogen-like. The discussion hints at the complexity of these concepts, suggesting they may extend beyond typical undergraduate coursework.
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When we try to predict electronic configurations by the building up principle we add electrons to the d-orbitals before the p-orbitals for principal quantum numbers n ≥ 4.

What I don't understand is why, according to my textbook, we're supposed to remove electrons from np-orbitals first, then ns-orbitals and then (n-1)d-orbitals when predicting the configuration for cations.

Why do we add electrons to (n-1)d-orbitals after ns-orbitals but remove electrons from ns-orbitals before (n-1)d-orbitals? - makes no sense.

Furthermore, if someone could explain or point me somewhere to an explanation as to how the energy levels are calculated (why E((n-1)d) > E(ns) for n ≥ 4) that would be great.
 
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Because it makes a difference whether you are comparing neutral atoms or an atom and an ion.
On ionization the ordering of the orbitals becomes more hydrogen like, i.e. the splitting of the s, p, and d orbitals decreases.
 
I see, thanks - for the answer to my other question as well!

I'm guessing this is beyond undergraduate courses?
 

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