Final answer:
The electron configuration for zinc is 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶4s²3d¹⁰, which can be represented as answer B among the given options.
Step-by-step explanation:
Zinc has the neutral configuration [Ar]4s²3d¹0. Losing 2 electrons does not alter the complete d orbital. Neutral scandium is written as [Ar]4s²3d¹. Losing 3 electrons brings the configuration to the noble state with valence 3p6.
The correct electron configuration for zinc (Zn) is 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶4s²3d¹⁰. Zinc is a transition metal with an atomic number of 30, which means it has 30 electrons when it is in the neutral state. The electrons are arranged in energy levels or shells around the nucleus, and within each shell, electrons fill the s orbital before filling the d orbitals. Therefore, the correct answer from the options provided is B) 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶4s²3d¹⁰.