Question

which of the following electron configurations of outer sublevels is the most stable? 4d³5s³ 4d⁵5s¹ 4d⁴5s² 4d²5s⁴

Explanation:

• The stability of electron configurations is related to the concept of half - filled and completely filled orbitals.
• For the \(4d\) and \(5s\) orbitals, a half - filled \(d\) sub - level (\(d^5\)) and a half - filled \(s\) sub - level (\(s^1\)) (in this case, it's equivalent to a more stable configuration as the total number of electrons in the outer sub - levels follows the principle of having half - filled sub - levels).
• The \(4d^35s^3\) configuration is incorrect because the \(s\) sub - level can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
• The \(4d^45s^2\) configuration does not have half - filled or completely filled sub - levels.
• The \(4d^25s^4\) configuration is incorrect as the \(s\) sub - level can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.

Answer:

\(4d^55s^1\)