Question

The electronic configuration ${1s}^2,{2s}^2,{2p}^6,{3s}^2,{3p}^6,{3d}^9$ represents a:

• A. metal atom
• B. non-metal atom
• C. non-metallic anion
• D. metallic cation

Answer 1

The correct option is D metallic cation

In the given electronic configuration, total no. of electrons = 27.

For a neutral atom having 27e⁻ the electronic configuration will be:

1s², 2s², 2p⁶, 3s², 3p⁶, 4s², 3d⁷.

Thus, it is not a neutral metal or non-metal atom.

We know that, 4s is filled before 3d according to the electronic configuration series. But in the given configuration, 4s orbital is empty and electrons are present in 3d which clearly indicates that electrons have been removed.

Thus, it represents a cation and not an anion.

Electronic configuration of Cu (29e⁻) : 1s², 2s², 2p⁶, 3s², 3p⁶, 4s¹, 3d¹⁰

Electronic configuration of Cu²⁺ cation (removing 2 e⁻ from Cu) :1s², 2s², 2p⁶, 3s², 3p⁶, 3d⁹

Hence, the given electronic configuration represents a metallic cation (Cu²⁺) .