The electron configuration of a copper(I) ion is A) [Ar]4s²3d⁸. B) [Ar]4s¹3d⁹. C) [Ar]3d¹⁰. D) [Ar]4s²3d⁶4p². E) [Kr].

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Copper(I) ion has lost one electron from its neutral atom, which means it has a +1 charge. The electron configuration of a neutral copper atom is [Ar]3d^10 4s^1. When one electron is lost, it comes from the 4s orbital, leaving a completely filled 3d^10 orbital. Therefore, the electron configuration of a copper(I) ion is [Ar]3d^10. Choice A, B, D and E are incorrect because they either include too many electrons or have configurations that are not consistent with the charge of a copper(I) ion.

The Electron Configuration of a Copper(I) Ion Is