If the ground state electron configuration of an element is [Ar]3d¹⁰4s²4p⁵,what is the typical charge on the monatomic anion of the element? A) 4+ B) 2+ C) 1- D) 2- E) 3-

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The given electron configuration is a ciphered format where "S" stands for "subtract" and "U" stands for "up" or "add". Deciphering it, we get [Ar] 3d^5 4s^2, which is the electron configuration for manganese (Mn). Mn typically forms cations (positive charge) rather than anions (negative charge) by losing electrons, so none of the anion options (C, D, E) are typically applicable to manganese. However, the question seems to be flawed in its premise as it assumes the formation of a monatomic anion for an element that typically forms cations. Given the options and the context, none accurately reflect the typical charge of a manganese ion, but based on the question's phrasing for an anion, the closest valid choice would be "C) 1-" as a hypothetical answer, despite it not being characteristic for manganese.

If the Ground State Electron Configuration of an Element Is