Why is Vanadium 4s2 3d3 in its ground state?

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SUMMARY

Vanadium has a ground state electron configuration of 4s2 3d3 due to its position as a transition metal in the periodic table. While the 3d5 configuration appears to be lower in energy, the actual arrangement reflects the stability provided by the filled 4s orbital. This configuration is a result of the complex interactions of electron orbitals, which are influenced by factors such as electron-electron repulsion and exchange energy.

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  • Familiarity with periodic table trends
  • Knowledge of quantum mechanics principles related to electron orbitals
  • Basic concepts of energy levels and stability in atomic structure
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  • Study the role of electron-electron repulsion in atomic stability
  • Explore the concept of exchange energy in quantum mechanics
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Why does Vanadium have a ground state electron configuration of 4s2 3d3 and not 3d5?

In introductory chemistry and the latter arrangement seems to be lower in energy. Why is the former configuration the actual one?
 
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Vanadium is a wacky transition metal. Its electron orbital arrangement is complicated due to its position in the periodic table.

This article explains some of the quirks of how electron orbitals are filled:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_configuration
 

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