In which all have d10 configuration in their ground state?
Correct Answer :
Cu, Zn, Cd, Ag
Cu : 3d104s1 Zn : 3d104s2 Cd : 4d105s2 Ag : 4d105s1
Solution :
To determine which set of elements all have a electronic configuration in their ground state, let us analyze the ground-state electronic configurations of the transition metals involved.
Recall the general electronic configuration of transition elements, which is represented as .
Let us write down the ground-state electronic configurations for the elements in the correct option:
1. Copper (Cu, Z = 29):
Copper has an anomalous electronic configuration due to the extra stability associated with a fully filled d-orbital. Instead of the expected , its actual ground-state configuration is:
This confirms a configuration.
2. Zinc (Zn, Z = 30):
Zinc is the last element of the first transition series. Its ground-state configuration is:
This also features a configuration.
3. Silver (Ag, Z = 47):
Similar to copper, silver belongs to Group 11 and exhibits an anomalous configuration to achieve a stable fully filled d-subshell. Its ground-state configuration is:
This has a configuration.
4. Cadmium (Cd, Z = 48):
Cadmium belongs to Group 12, directly below zinc. Its ground-state configuration is:
This also has a configuration.
Since all four elements (Cu, Zn, Cd, and Ag) possess a completely filled d-subshell () in their ground state, this group of elements satisfies the condition.
Therefore, the correct option is Cu, Zn, Cd, Ag.
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