Question on electron orbitals?

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Homework Statement

What are the two possible electron orbital configurations of W⁺⁶, Au⁺, and Au⁺³.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I know Tungsten should initially be [Xe]6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d⁴ and Gold should initially be [Xe]6s¹ 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰.

From what I remember of intro chem one configuration for W⁺⁶ was [Xe]6s¹ 4f¹² and for the other I said [Xe]6s² 4f⁷ 5d⁵ but does that make any sense? I have doubts.

For Au I said Au⁺ was [Xe]6s¹ 4f¹⁴ 5d⁹ and Au⁺³ was [Xe]6s¹ 4f¹⁴ 5d⁷.

Am I on the right track? I used to know this but it was years ago and I've forgotten much of it.

 

[nate808]

Your analysis is mostly correct. For W+6, the two possible configurations are [Xe]6s1 4f12 5d1 and [Xe]6s2 4f7 5d5. For Au+, the correct configuration is [Xe]6s1 4f14 5d9, but for Au+3, the correct configuration is actually [Xe]6s1 4f14 5d8. Keep in mind that when ions lose electrons, they lose them from the highest energy level first, so the 5d orbital would be the first to lose an electron in the case of Au+3. Overall, your understanding of electron configurations is good and you are on the right track. Keep up the good work!