Chapter 8, Problem 104A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Significance of 5 in $3d^5$ is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The electron configuration of an element defines how its electrons are arranged throughout its atomic orbitals. Standard notation is used to represent atomic electron configurations, placing all electron-containing atomic subshells in sequential order. The number of electrons held by the subshell is indicated by superscript.

Answer to Problem 104A

5 electrons in d-subshell

Explanation of Solution

In the given $3d^5$ , 5 indicates the no. of electrons in the d-subshell.

Consider an example,

  $\text{Cr}:\left[\text{Ar}\right]3d^{5}4s^1$

Above is an electronic configuration of chromium and 5 in $3d^5$ represents the no. of electrons in the 3d sub-shell.