Question

which electron configuration of the 4f energy sublevel is the most stable? 4f¹³ 4f 4f⁷ 4f¹⁴

Explanation:

Electron configurations follow the principle that half - filled (\(n = \frac{\text{max electrons}}{2}\)) or completely filled (\(n=\text{max electrons}\)) sublevels are more stable. For the \(4f\) sublevel, the maximum number of electrons is \(14\). A half - filled \(4f\) sublevel has \(7\) electrons (\(4f^7\)) and a completely filled \(4f\) sublevel has \(14\) electrons (\(4f^{14}\)). Among the given options, \(4f^{14}\) represents a completely filled \(4f\) sublevel.

Answer:

\(4f^{14}\)