1. option B
2. ground state Fe : [Ar] 4s² 3d⁶
Further explanation
Aufbau rule
Electrons occupy orbitals of the lowest energy level
Charging electrons in the sub-shell uses the following sequence:
1s², 2s², 2p⁶, 3s², 3p⁶, 4s², 3d¹⁰, 4p⁶, 5s², 4d¹⁰, 5p⁶, 6s², etc.
So the correct choice of answer is B.
Ground state is the state of electrons filling skins with the lowest energy levels.
Excited state is the state of electrons which occupy a higher energy level
The atomic number of Fe = 26, so electrons=26
Ground state configuration of Fe : [Ar] 4s² 3d⁶ or
1s², 2s², 2p⁶, 3s², 3p⁶, 4s², 3d⁶