Why is the electron configuration for copper 1s22s22p63s23p63d104s1 instead of 1s22s22p63s23p63d94s2?

A filled sublevel is more stable than a half-filled sublevel.

The arrangement of electrons with the same spin is as small as possible.

The 4s orbital has higher energy than the 3d orbital.

Electrons occupy orbitals of the highest energy levels first.

Question

Nikolai Walter

Chemistry

6 July, 02:20

Why is the electron configuration for copper 1s22s22p63s23p63d104s1 instead of 1s22s22p63s23p63d94s2?

A filled sublevel is more stable than a half-filled sublevel.

The arrangement of electrons with the same spin is as small as possible.

The 4s orbital has higher energy than the 3d orbital.

Electrons occupy orbitals of the highest energy levels first.

+2

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Adrian Webb · Answer 1

A

Explanation:

There is a special stability conferred on an atomic configuration by filled and half half filled orbitals.

4s is half filled and is stable

3d is fully filled with 10 electrons and is stable.

This configuration is more desirable compared to the other one.