Write the complete ground state electron configuration of chromium.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the complete electron configuration of chromium in its ground state, which means we need to identify how the electrons are arranged in the atomic orbitals for this element.
Answer
[Ar] 3d5 4s1
The electron configuration of chromium in its ground state is [Ar] 3d5 4s1
Answer for screen readers
The electron configuration of chromium in its ground state is [Ar] 3d5 4s1
More Information
Chromium has an unusual electron configuration because it prefers to have a half-filled d-subshell and a single electron in the s-subshell for increased stability.
Tips
A common mistake is to write the configuration as [Ar] 4s2 3d4, not accounting for the stability provided by half-filled subshells.
Sources
- Electron Configuration for Chromium (Cr, Cr2+, Cr3+) - TerpConnect - terpconnect.umd.edu
- What is the electron configuration of chromium? Chemistry Q&A - byjus.com
- What is the electron configuration of chromium? - Socratic - socratic.org