Chapter 5, Problem 6STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The ground state electronic configuration of Cadmium (Cd) using a noble-gas notation needs to be identified.

Concept introduction:

Electronic configurations of the elements are the distribution of electrons in the atomic orbitals. $2n^2$ formula is used for the determination of maximum number of electrons present in an orbit where $n$ is the number of orbit.

Answer to Problem 6STP

The correct option is C.

Explanation of Solution

The atomic number of Cadmium (Cd) is $48$ containing $48$ electrons. The noble gas before cadmium is krypton (Kr). Therefore, krypton will be used in electronic configuration notation. The atomic number of krypton (Kr) is $36$ containing total $36$ electrons. The remaining $12$ electrons will enter into 5s and 4d orbitals. Hence, the electronic configuration of Cadmium is $\left[\text{Kr}\right]{\text{5s}}^{\text{2}}{\text{4d}}^{10}$. Hence, the correct option is C.

Conclusion

The electronic configuration of Cadmium is $\left[\text{Kr}\right]{\text{5s}}^{\text{2}}{\text{4d}}^{10}$. Therefore, the correct option is C.