Question

using the periodic table, which of the following is the correct electron configuration of vanadium in its ground state?
a ar3s^14d^4
b ar4s^23d^3
c ar3s^23d^4
d ar3s^24d^3
e ar4s^23d^4

Explanation:

Step1: Recall vanadium's atomic number

Vanadium has an atomic number of 23. Argon (Ar) has an atomic number of 18. So we need to account for 23 - 18 = 5 more electrons after the argon - core.

Step2: Apply electron - filling order

Electrons fill orbitals in the order \(1s<2s<2p<3s<3p<4s<3d<4p\cdots\). After the argon - core (\([Ar]\)), the next two electrons go into the \(4s\) orbital (\(4s^2\)), and then the remaining 3 electrons go into the \(3d\) orbital (\(3d^3\)).

Answer:

B. \([Ar]4s^{2}3d^{3}\)