Copper
Copper has exceptional electronic configuration [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ instead of [Ar] 3d⁹ 4s² because:
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- d- and f-block elements
- Topic
- copper
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Fully-filled d-orbital is more stable
The electronic configuration of Copper (Cu, Z=29) is an exception to the Aufbau principle.
- Reason: A completely filled d10 subshell is exceptionally stable due to symmetry and high exchange energy.
- To achieve this stability, one electron from the 4s orbital shifts to the 3d orbital.
- Configuration: [Ar]3d104s1 (rather than 3d94s2). Chromium (Cr) shows a similar exception for a half-filled (3d5) stable state.
This easy difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter d- and f-block elements, covering the topic of copper. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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