Question:medium

Write observed electronic configuration of chromium (Z = 24).

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Remember both Chromium (\(Z=24\)) and Copper (\(Z=29\)) follow this trend to achieve half-filled (\(d^5\)) and fully-filled (\(d^{10}\)) stability respectively.
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The electronic configuration of elements usually follows the Aufbau principle. However, half-filled and completely filled subshells provide extra stability.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Expected configuration of \(Cr\) (\(Z=24\)): \([Ar] 3d^4 4s^2\).
Observed configuration of \(Cr\): \([Ar] 3d^5 4s^1\).
The shift of one electron from the \(4s\) to the \(3d\) orbital occurs because a half-filled \(d\)-subshell (\(d^5\)) and a half-filled \(s\)-subshell (\(s^1\)) together are more stable than the \(d^4 s^2\) arrangement due to symmetry and higher exchange energy.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The observed electronic configuration of Chromium is \([Ar] 3d^5 4s^1\).
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