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The electron configuration of \(_{29}\) Cu is 

Chemistry
WAEC 2024

The electron configuration of \(_{29}\) Cu is 

  • A. 1S\(^2\) 2S\(^2\) 2P\(^6\) 3S\(^2\) 3P\(^6\) 4S\(^1\) 3d\(^{10}\)
  • B. 1S\(^2\) 2S\(^2\) 2P\(^6\) 3S\(^2\) 3P\(^6\) 4S\(^3\) 3d\(^9\)
  • C. 1S\(^2\) 2S\(^2\) 2P\(^5\) 3S\(^2\) 3P\(^6\) 4S\(^2\) 3d\(^{10}\)
  • D. 1S\(^2\) 2S\(^2\) 2P\(^6\) 3S\(^2\) 3P\(^2\) 4S\(^1\) 3d\(^{10}\)
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Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation

The electron configuration of copper (Cu), with atomic number 29, is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ or 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s¹. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

  • Atomic Number:Copper (Cu) has 29 electrons. 

  • Following the Aufbau principle, the expected configuration would be 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d⁹. 

  • However, copper exhibits an exception to this rule. A full or half-filled d-orbital is more stable than a partially filled one. 

  • Therefore, one electron moves from the 4s orbital to the 3d orbital, resulting in the configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s¹ or [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹. 


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