What is the abbreviated electron configuration for nickel (atomic number 28)?A) [He]2s22p3B) [Ar]4s23d8C) [Kr]4s23d8D) [Ar]4s24p4E) [Ar]3d8

Question

Can you please explain how to figure out the answer!!

Answer 1

Nickel, Ni, has 28 electrons. The nobel gas that comes before Ni in the periodic table is Argon which has 18 electrons. So we use Ar electron configuration and add 10 more electrons. Since Ni is a petiod 4 transition metal, it will have 3d valence electrons. So, the abbreviated configuration for Ni is [Ar] 4s2 3d8. That takes care of the 10 additional electrons. Get it?