What is the electron configuration of Ni2+?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the electron configuration of the Ni2+ ion, exploring various proposed configurations and the principles governing electron filling in atomic orbitals. The scope includes theoretical reasoning and application of quantum mechanics principles.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the electron configuration of Ni2+ is [Ar] 3d8 based on the calculation of remaining electrons after accounting for the atomic number of nickel and argon.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of the Aufbau principle and Madelung rule, indicating that the order of filling orbitals is determined by the sum of the principal quantum number and azimuthal quantum number (n+l), and that lower n is filled first when n+l values are identical.
  • There is acknowledgment of exceptions to the filling order, though specifics are not provided.
  • A later reply expresses a need to review chemistry concepts, indicating some uncertainty in the initial claim.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct electron configuration for Ni2+, and there are competing views regarding the application of filling principles.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the Aufbau principle and Madelung rule but do not fully resolve how these principles apply to the specific case of Ni2+. There is also a lack of clarity on the exceptions mentioned.

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What is the electron configuration of Ni2+?
a. [Ar] 3d6 4s2
b. [Ar] 3d7 4s1
c. [Ar] 3d8
d. [Ar] 3d8 4s2
e. [Ar] 3d8 4s1
 
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Alright, Nickle is in the period after Argon, that's why you don't have to state the configuration of argon and you can give the symbol: [Ar] This just signifies the octet configuration (8 electrons in valence shell). Then, as you notice, Ni2+ has a number of 28-2= 26.
Ar has an atomic number of 18.
26-18=8.
So you have 8 electrons left. so you can cancel out options d and e.

The d subshell has 5 orbitals. The principal quantum number of the d subshell is 3 in this case. 3 is lower than 4, thus, theoretically, you will fill in the lower quantum number first. There are special cases which do not exhibit this though.

And that's why you'll fill in these 8 electrons into the orbitals in 3d. Making it:

[Ar]3d8

Hope it helps. You can ask me again if you don't get this.
 
Please check Aufbau principle and Madelung rule. 3d is filled before 4p and 5s. Just looking at the principal quantum number is not enough.

Madelung rule states that orbitals are filled in the order given by sum n+l, if for two orbitals n+l is identical the one with lower n is filled first.

There are exceptions though.
 
Yeah sorry for missing that. >< needa go review my chem again.

Thanks
 

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