Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Inorganic: D and F Block Elements

Question:

Correct electronic configuration of Cu and Cr are ____.

Options:

$3d^9 4s^2$ and $3d^44s^2$ respectively

$3d^{10} 4s^1$ and $3d^5 4s^1$ respectively

$3d^5 4s^1$ and $3d^{10} 4s^1$ respectively

$3d^4 4s^2$ and $3d^9 4s^2$ respectively

Correct Answer:

$3d^{10} 4s^1$ and $3d^5 4s^1$ respectively

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) → $3d^{10} 4s^1$ and $3d^5 4s^1$ respectively

The correct electronic configurations of Cr and Cu are exceptions to the general filling order due to stability of half-filled and fully-filled d-orbitals.

 

  • Copper (Cu)
  • Atomic number = 29
  • Expected configuration: [Ar] 3d⁹ 4s²
  • But copper gains stability when the 3d subshell becomes completely filled.
  • Thus, one electron shifts from 4s to 3d:
  • Actual configuration: [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹
  • Completely filled subshells also have extra stability.

 

  • Chromium
  •  Atomic number = 24
  • Expected configuration: [Ar] 3d⁴ 4s²
  • However, chromium attains extra stability when the 3d subshell becomes half-filled.
  • Thus, one electron from 4s shifts to 3d:
  • Actual configuration: [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹
  • Half-filled subshells have greater stability due to symmetrical distribution and exchange energy.