Question

Write the electronic configuration of copper.

Answer 1

Electronic configuration: Electronic configuration is the distribution of the electrons in orbitals of atoms using some basic principles like the Pauli exclusion principle and the Aufbau principle.

Electronic configuration of Copper:

• The atomic number of Copper(Cu) $=29$
• Therefore, the expected electronic configuration is $\left[\mathrm{Ar}\right]3{\mathrm{d}}^{9}4{\mathrm{s}}^2$.
• But Copper has an exception in electronic configuration due to the stability concept of orbitals, completely filled and half filled orbitals are the most stable.
• Thus, the observed electronic of copper is $\left[\mathrm{Ar}\right]3{\mathrm{d}}^{10}4{\mathrm{s}}^1$.