The electron configuration of a ground-state copper atom is A) [Ar]4s²4d⁴. B) [Ar]4s²4p⁶3d³. C) [Ar]4s²3d⁹. D) [Ar]3d⁹. E) [Ar]4s¹3d¹⁰.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct electron configuration for a ground-state copper atom is [Ar]4s^1 3d^10, which is represented by choice E. Copper is an exception to the expected order because it prefers to have a full or half-full d subshell due to stability reasons, thus it has a 4s^1 3d^10 configuration instead of the expected 4s^2 3d^9.

The Electron Configuration of a Ground-State Copper Atom Is