Fe2+, Fe3+ and electronic configuration

[TimeforDAT]

the electronic configuration for Fe is [Ar]3d^6 4s^2, so why is it that when you ionize it to Fe2+ the configuration is [Ar]3d^6? I thought since 3d is at a higher energy level (4s fills before 3d) that two electrons would be pulled from the higher energy 3d orbital to make it [Ar]3d^4 4s^2.

For Fe3+ would the configuration be [Ar]3d^5?

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[TimeforDAT]

nm..i found the answer...the electrons that are removed are taken from the orbital with the highest n value and if there are two orbitals with the same n, then electrons will be lost from the orbital with the highest l value.

 

[levyusupov]

the electrons are first removed from the outermost or the valance shell. thus, since 4s^2 is the outermost, you will first take off electrons from there and then you move to the 3d shell.

 

[Saber tooth]

the electrons are first removed from the outermost or the valance shell. thus, since 4s^2 is the outermost, you will first take off electrons from there and then you move to the 3d shell.

That's true, since 4s^2 is the outer most shell it will be the one to first lose electrons even though 3d is filled after 4s is filled up.