Final answer:
The ground state electron configuration for neutral tantalum (Ta) is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s², and for the Ta²⁺ ion, it is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³. This takes into account the removal of two electrons from the outermost orbitals to form the Ta²⁺ ion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves writing the ground state electron configuration for the element tantalum (Ta) and its ion (Ta²⁺). The subject matter of this question falls under the domain of Chemistry, specifically within an area known as electronic structure or electron configuration. This knowledge is usually taught at the High School level in courses related to Chemistry.
The electron configuration for the neutral tantalum atom is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s². When tantalum forms the Ta²⁺ ion, it loses two electrons. These two electrons are removed from the outermost shell, so the electron configuration for Ta²⁺ would be [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³. Here, we are using the noble gas shorthand notation where [Xe] represents the closed-shell electron configuration of the noble gas xenon. Remember to account for electron removal from the highest energy level, which in the case of transition metals typically involves the s and then d orbital electrons.