Question

draw the electron configuration for a neutral atom of cobalt.

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the atomic number of cobalt

Cobalt (\(Co\)) has an atomic number \(Z = 27\). This means a neutral cobalt atom has 27 electrons.

Step2: Fill the electron orbitals following the Aufbau principle

• The \(1s\) orbital: It can hold 2 electrons. So, \(1s^{2}\).
• The \(2s\) orbital: Holds 2 electrons. \(2s^{2}\).
• The \(2p\) orbital: Can hold 6 electrons. \(2p^{6}\).
• The \(3s\) orbital: Holds 2 electrons. \(3s^{2}\).
• The \(3p\) orbital: Can hold 6 electrons. \(3p^{6}\).
• The \(4s\) orbital: Holds 2 electrons. \(4s^{2}\).
• The \(3d\) orbital: Since we have \(27-(2 + 2+6 + 2+6 + 2)=7\) electrons left for the \(3d\) orbital. So, \(3d^{7}\).

Answer:

The electron configuration of a neutral cobalt atom is \(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}4s^{2}3d^{7}\)