Question

what is the ground state electron configuration for the sn4+ ion (z=50)?
a. kr 5s² 5d⁸
b. kr 5s² 4d⁸
c. kr 4d¹⁰
d. kr 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p²
e. kr 5s² 4d¹⁰

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the electron configuration of Sn atom

The atomic number of Sn is \(Z = 50\). The electron configuration of Sn atom is \([Kr]5s^{2}4d^{10}5p^{2}\).

Step2: Consider the formation of \(Sn^{4 +}\) ion

When \(Sn\) forms \(Sn^{4+}\) ion, it loses 4 electrons. It loses the two \(5p\) electrons first and then the two \(5s\) electrons.

Answer:

C. \([Kr]4d^{10}\)