Help with electron configuration?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on understanding the electron configuration of gold (Au), specifically its notation and structure. The correct electron configuration for gold is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s1, which reflects its position in the periodic table as an exception to standard filling rules. The user initially assumed the configuration was simply 5d11, indicating a misunderstanding of the electron filling order. A recommended resource for further clarification is the Wikipedia article on electron configuration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the periodic table and element positioning
  • Knowledge of electron shell structure and sublevels
  • Familiarity with electron configuration notation
  • Basic grasp of exceptions in electron configurations, such as those in transition metals
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of electron configuration in transition metals
  • Learn about exceptions in electron configurations, particularly for elements like gold
  • Explore the concept of electron shells and subshells in detail
  • Review the Wikipedia article on electron configuration for comprehensive insights
USEFUL FOR

Students learning chemistry, educators teaching electron configurations, and anyone seeking to understand the complexities of electron arrangements in elements.

breebreebran
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I don't understand it.
I was absent the day it was introduced so I'm behind.
I'm trying to learn from google but I can't figure it out.
I thought I understood but I guess not.
I picked a random element off the periodic table.
Gold.
I know that's sub level d
row 5
column 11
So I thought it was just 5D11
I looked up the electron configuration for it and I got
[Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s1
Any guidance?
Because I'm clearly lost.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
You happened to pick an element that has an exception to the rules->bad break! The wiki article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_configuration has a fairly good explanation as to what order to write the shells and how many electrons can fit in each.

Finally, in case you were confused, the { [Xe] "other stuff" } notation refers to the configuration of [Element] plus the additional electron configuration for the working element. Space saving technique.
 

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