Question:medium

Electronic configuration of copper can be represented as:

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Remember that some transition metals, like copper, have exceptions to the typical electron filling order for added stability. This is why \( 4s^1 3d^{10} \) occurs instead of \( 4s^2 3d^9 \).
Updated On: Jan 15, 2026
  • \( [Ar] 4s^1 3d^{10} \)
  • \( [Ar] 4s^2 3d^9 \)
  • \( [Ar] 4s^2 3d^9 4p^1 \)
  • \( [Ar] 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^1 \)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Copper (Cu), with an atomic number of 29, exhibits an electron configuration of \( [Ar] 4s^1 3d^{10} \). While a typical filling order might suggest filling the \( 4s \) orbital before the \( 3d \), copper presents an exception. The \( 4s \) orbital contains only 1 electron to achieve the stable \( 3d^{10} \) configuration. Therefore, the correct electronic configuration for copper is \( [Ar] 4s^1 3d^{10} \).
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