Question

what is the correct electron configuration for tellurium? *
xe 5s², 5d¹⁰, 5p⁴
ar 5s², 4d¹⁰, 5p⁴
kr 5s², 4d¹⁰, 5p⁴
kr 5s², 5d¹⁰, 5p⁴

Explanation:

Tellurium has an atomic number of 52. Krypton (\([Kr]\)) has an atomic number of 36. After \([Kr]\), the next orbitals filled are \(5s\) (2 electrons), then \(4d\) (10 electrons), and then \(5p\) (4 electrons for tellurium). Xenon (\([Xe]\)) is too high - atomic number 54. Argon (\([Ar]\)) is too low - atomic number 18. Also, the \(4d\) orbital is filled before \(5p\) in the electron - filling order.

Answer:

[Kr] \(5s^{2}\), \(4d^{10}\), \(5p^{4}\) (the third option)