Electron Configurations of Ions When an atom forms an ion, it will gain or lose

Question

Electron Configurations of Ions When an atom forms an ion, it will gain or lose electrons to attain a more stable electron configuration, frequently that of a noble gas. Nonmetals tend to form anions by gaining electrons, which enter the lowest energy unoccupied orbital. Metals tend to form cations by losing electrons. Main group metals lose electrons in the reverse order of filling. Transition metals, however, lose s electrons first. In the ground-state electron configuration of Fe^3+, how many unpaired electrons are present? Express your answer numerically as an integer. 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6

Explanation / Answer

The atomic number of Fe is 26

The electronic configuration of Fe is: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d6

The Fe3+ion has a 3+ charge so three electrons are removed.

Two are taken from the 4s subshell and one from the 3d sub-shell.

Hence, the electron configuration of Fe3+ is: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d5.

So, the unpaired electrons present in  Fe3+ is 5.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse E
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.