What is the ground-state electron configuration of Fe³⁺? A)[Ar]3d⁶4s² B)[Ar]3d³4s² C)[Ar]3d⁴4s¹ D)[Ar]3d⁵ E)[Ar]3d⁶

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ground-state electron configuration of Fe (Iron) is [Ar] 3d^6 4s^2. However, in the given configuration, Fe is in a +3 oxidation state (as indicated by the "+3" at the end of the formula), meaning it has lost 3 electrons. When Fe loses three electrons, those electrons are removed from the 4s orbital first and then from the 3d orbital. Thus, the correct configuration for Fe^3+ is [Ar] 3d^5, which matches the format of option D when accounting for the placeholders and symbols in the question.

What Is the Ground-State Electron Configuration of Fe3+

What Is the Ground-State Electron Configuration of Fe³⁺