Question

The electron configuration of an element is [Ar] 4s23d104p2. Identify this element.

Answer 1

Answer:

The element is germanium (Ge)

Explanation:

First of all we are considerating a neutral state element, meaning that it has the same amount of electrons and protons.

Also, [Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p2. means that the unknown element has the same electronic configuration as Argon, plus the electrons in the 4s, 3d and 4p.

So:

Argon has 18 electrons and protons (atomic number Z=18)

The element has 2 electrons in 4s, 10 in 3d and 2 in 4p: 2+10+2=14

The total electrons it has is: 14+18=32 electrons, and as we said before it also has 32 protons.

Once calculated the protons, we know the atomic number (Z=32) and we can look in the periodic table the element with Z=32.

That element is germanium (Ge)