Europiums electron configuration

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the electron configuration of Europium, highlighting a discrepancy between a calculated configuration of 2 8 18 32 3 and the correct configuration of 2 8 18 25 8 2. Participants explore the method of calculating electron configurations using the principle that each orbital can hold a maximum of 2n^2 electrons. Clarifications are made regarding the Aufbau principle, which governs the filling order of electron orbitals. There is an emphasis on understanding the distinction between shells and orbitals, with a reminder that shells can contain multiple orbitals. The conversation encourages further contemplation on the topic to enhance understanding of electron configurations.
Mniazi
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I calculated Europium to have a electron configuration of 2 8 18 32 3
and then calculated the chemical formula of Europium Chloride which was EuCl3 which is correct
but why is the real electron configuration of Europium 2 8 18 25 8 2 ?
 
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Mniazi said:
I calculated

How?
 
Using the method that for each orbital n a maximum of 2n^2 electrons can be held.
 
Or is it a rule that the second last orbital should always have 8 electrons?
 
That's not how it works, google for Aufbau principle.
 
Ok, So can you tell mee how one can actually calculate the precise electron configuration of Europium?
 
Have you checked Aufbau principle, or have you just ignored what I wrote in hope I will spoonfeed you?
 
Yes actually I checked the Aufbau principle, so does this mean that the first orbital will have 2 electrons, the second being p having 6, the third d having 10? and an f orbital having 14 max electrons?
 
Mniazi said:
Yes actually I checked the Aufbau principle, so does this mean that the first orbital will have 2 electrons, the second being p having 6, the third d having 10? and an f orbital having 14 max electrons?

Are you sure you don't mistake shell and orbital? Shell can contain several orbitals (K, or first shell, contains only 1s, L, or second, contains both 2s and 2p, d doesn't appear before 3rd, M shell, and so on).
 
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hmmmm, ok let me do some more thinking
 
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