![]() ![]() For example, scandium (Sc) has 21 electrons and has just one electron in its 3d-subshell, giving it the electron configuration of 3d 1 4s 2, whereas titanium has 22 electrons and has two electrons in its 3d-subshell. This gives it the electron configuration of 3d 2 4s 2.īut as we mentioned above, this filling pattern is rudely interrupted by two elements: chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu). ![]() Well, it is because the 4s- and 3d-subshells have very similar energy levels. Since the electron in the 4s-subshell is unpaired, it doesn't experience any electron-electron repulsion. ![]() This lowers its energy state and more than makes up for the extra electron in the slightly higher energy 3d-subshell. Electrons simply like being in the lowest energy state possible. It is also believed that having a half-full 3d-subshell, as in the case of chromium, or a completely filled 3d-subshell, in the case of copper, helps stabilise the atom.Įxpected and observed electron configurations of chromium and copper. Anna Brewer, StudySmarter Original Electron configuration of transition metal ionsĪll transition metals form positive cations by losing electrons. You might remember from Electron Configuration that although the 3d-subshell is of a slightly higher energy level than the 4s-subshell, atoms lose electrons from the 4s-subshell first. This means that all transition metals lost their 4s electrons before their 3d electrons. It commonly forms ions with charges of 2+ or 3+. Iron has the electron configuration of 3d 6 4s 2. When forming a 2+ ion, it first loses its 4s electrons, giving it the electron configuration of 3d 6 4s 0. To form a 3+ ion, it needs to lose a further electron. Since the 4s-subshell is now empty, this electron is lost from the 3d-subshell, giving the ion the electron configuration of 3d 5 4s 0. The electron configuration of iron, iron(II) and iron(III). Transition metals are elements whose atoms have a partially filled d-subshell, or which form at least one stable ion with a partially filled d-subshell of electrons. Transition metals are found in the d-block of the periodic table. ![]()
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