Erbium's electron configuration, [Xe] 4f12 6s2, showcases the orderly filling of orbitals, highlighting its position in the lanthanide series and contributing to its stable chemical properties.
The electron configuration of erbium, a lanthanide element with the atomic number 68, is [Xe] 4f12 6s2. Breaking it down, the electron configuration begins with the noble gas xenon ([Xe]), representing the completed electron shells from previous elements.
Erbium's 4f orbital accommodates 12 electrons, and the 6s orbital holds 2 electrons. The 4f subshell is a part of the inner transition metals and is progressively filled as you move across the lanthanide series.
Erbium, like other lanthanides, exhibits similar electron configurations within the 4f subshell, resulting in a stable arrangement. Understanding the electron configuration provides insights into the distribution of electrons in an atom, crucial for predicting its chemical properties and behavior in various chemical reactions.
Complete question:
What is the electron configuration of erbium?