Question

The electronic configuration of Neodymium (60) Nd is

• A. \([Xe] 4f^46s^2\)
• B. \([Xe] 5f^1\)
• C. \([Xe] 4f^26s^2\)
• D. \([Xe] 5f^44d^1\)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question asks for the electronic configuration of Neodymium (Nd), which has an atomic number of 60. To find its electronic configuration, we need to consider how electrons are distributed in its atomic orbitals based on their energy levels.

Neodymium is a lanthanide, and its electrons fill the orbitals in the following order: 

• The core electrons are represented with xenon ([Xe]) because neodymium follows xenon in the periodic table.
• The lanthanides involve the filling of the 4f orbitals. In this case, we need to consider the partially filled 4f and 6s orbitals.

Therefore, the electronic configuration for Neodymium is:

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f⁴

The condensed form of this configuration, which uses the noble gas shorthand, would be:

\([Xe] 4f^4 6s^2\)

Let's evaluate the given options to confirm the answer:

• \([Xe] 4f^4 6s^2\) – This matches our derived configuration.
• \([Xe] 5f^1\) – Incorrect, as the 5f orbitals are not involved in the filling sequence for Nd.
• \([Xe] 4f^2 6s^2\) – Incorrect, this suggests an incorrect count of electrons in 4f orbitals.
• \([Xe] 5f^4 4d^1\) – Incorrect, both 5f and 4d are incorrectly used for Neodymium.

Thus, the correct electronic configuration for Neodymium is indeed \([Xe] 4f^4 6s^2\).

Answer 2

Solution: Neodymium (Nd) is an element with the atomic number 60, meaning it has 60 electrons. We need to find its correct electronic configuration.

Step 1: Electronic Configuration Strategy: The electronic configuration of elements is determined based on the Aufbau principle, Hund’s rule, and Pauli’s exclusion principle. The order of filling orbitals follows the increasing energy levels based on the (n + l) rule, where n is the principal quantum number and l is the azimuthal quantum number.

Step 2: Noble Gas Core Representation: The electronic configuration for Neodymium starts with the configuration of the nearest noble gas Xenon ([Xe]), which represents the filled electron shells up to atomic number 54:

$$[Xe] = 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^6$$

Step 3: Filling the Remaining Electrons: After [Xe], the remaining 6 electrons for Neodymium fill the 4f and 6s orbitals. According to the Aufbau principle:

• The 4f orbitals have a lower energy level than the 5d and 6s orbitals, so they are filled first.
• The 4f subshell can hold up to 14 electrons.
  Therefore, the next electrons occupy the 4f orbitals:

$$4f^4 6s^2$$

Step 4: Final Configuration: Thus, the electronic configuration of Neodymium is:

$$[Xe] 4f^4 6s^2$$

Step 5: Verification: The options given are:

1. $[Xe] 4f^4 6s^2$
2. $[Xe] 5f^7 6s^2$
3. $[Xe] 4f^5 6s^2$
4. $[Xe] 4f^6 6s^2$

Thus, the correct answer is option 1.