Electron configurations Original Scenario-Based Download PDF

Questions

1. 1.

   During an interstellar survey, an automated probe analyzes the vaporized core of a metallic asteroid and detects isolated neutral atoms with an atomic number of 24. To calibrate the probe's magnetic sensors, the astrochemists must input the true ground-state electron configuration of these atoms. Which electron configuration correctly represents this neutral atom in its ground state?

   • A) [Ar] $4s^2 3d^4$
   • B) [Ar] $4s^2 4p^4$
   • C) [Ar] $4s^1 3d^5$
   • D) [Ar] $3d^6$