To solve the problem, we need to identify the element with the electronic configuration [Ar]3d\(^{10}\)4s\(^1\).
1. Understanding the Configuration:
The configuration [Ar] represents the electron configuration of argon, which is 1s\(^2\)2s\(^2\)2p\(^6\)3s\(^2\)3p\(^6\), accounting for 18 electrons. The additional 3d\(^{10}\)4s\(^1\) indicates:
- 3d\(^{10}\): 10 electrons in the 3d subshell.
- 4s\(^1\): 1 electron in the 4s subshell.
Total electrons = 18 (from [Ar]) + 10 (3d) + 1 (4s) = 29 electrons.
2. Determining the Element:
The number of electrons in a neutral atom equals its atomic number. An element with 29 electrons has an atomic number of 29, which corresponds to copper (Cu) on the periodic table.
3. Verifying the Configuration:
Copper (Cu, atomic number 29) has the expected ground state configuration. The noble gas core [Ar] is followed by the filling of the 4s and 3d orbitals. Typically, for transition metals, the 4s orbital fills before 3d. However, copper is an exception:
- Expected: [Ar]4s\(^2\)3d\(^9\)
- Actual: [Ar]4s\(^1\)3d\(^{10}\)
This exception occurs because a fully filled 3d subshell (3d\(^{10}\)) is more stable than a partially filled one, so an electron from 4s moves to 3d, resulting in [Ar]3d\(^{10}\)4s\(^1\), which matches the given configuration.
Final Answer:
The element with the electronic configuration [Ar]3d\(^{10}\)4s\(^1\) is copper (Cu).
"___ how little changes in the environment can have big repercussions" Tishani Doshi in Journey to the End of the Earth gives an awakening call for man. Analyse the theme of the lesson in the light of the above statement.