Choose the electron configuration for Zr²⁺. A) [Kr]5s²4d² B) [Kr]5s² C) [Kr]4d² D) [Ar]4s²3d¹⁰4p⁶ E) [Kr]5s²4d⁴

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electron configuration given starts with [Kr], which indicates that the preceding noble gas configuration is being used as a shorthand. Therefore, we can eliminate choices A, B, D, and E, which all include the 5s orbital. Zirconium (Zr) has a ground state configuration of [Kr]4d^25s^2. The sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) atoms both have ground state configurations of [Ne]3s^23p^4, but in this compound they are both ionized (S1+ and P3-). Since the S has lost one electron, its configuration is now [Ne]3s^23p^3. Similarly, the P has gained three electrons, so its configuration is now [Ne]3s^23p^6. Putting it all together, we get the correct electron configuration of [Kr]4d^2².

Choose the Electron Configuration for Zr2+

Choose the Electron Configuration for Zr²⁺