The atomic number of Lanthanum is 57. Its electronic configuration will be..........
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → $[Xe]5d^16s^2$
To write configuration:
1. Noble gas core of Xenon (Xe) = 54 electrons
2. Remaining electrons = 57 - 54 = 3 electrons
Now we decide where these 3 electrons go.
According to energy order after Xe:
$6s→5d→4f$
For Lanthanum, 4f filling has not started significantly yet.
Electronic Distribution
First two electrons go into 6s:
$6s^2$
The third electron goes into 5d:
$5d^1$
So configuration:
$[Xe] 5d^1 6s^2$