Basic Electron Configuration Q

[4563728]

Why is the Electron configuration of Vanadium [Ar]4s23d3 and not [Ar]3d5? Doesn't this make more sense so the 3d orbital is half full? I may just be over thinking this...

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[labqi]

Hmmm tough question. But the only way I can think of it is as follows:
Considering this in not an ion, the s orbital cannot be 0.

 

[Blueprint MCAT Tutor]

Completely full orbitals are more stable than half-full orbitals. Pushing the electrons together into the d orbital to get it half-full would lose the stability gained from a full s sub-shell.

At least that's my guess.

 

[inasensegone]

Why is the Electron configuration of Vanadium [Ar]4s23d3 and not [Ar]3d5? Doesn't this make more sense so the 3d orbital is half full? me may just be over thinking this...

Completely full orbitals are more stable than half-full orbitals. Pushing the electrons together into the d orbital to get it half-full would lose the stability gained from a full s sub-shell.

At least that's my guess.

What the OP is referring to, is the fact that some atoms, like Chromium, prefer the configuration [Ar] 3d5 4s1. Similarly, Copper has the configuration [Ar] 3d10 4s1. Molybendum = [Kr] 4d5 5s1

In fact to complicate matters even more, Niobium, which is in the same family as Vanadium, has the configuration [Kr] 4d4 5s1, while Vanadium has the configuration [Ar] 3d3 4s2 as the OP pointed out.

OP - The MCAT is super unlikely to ask you about the configuration of Vanadium or Niobium because they deviate from the trend that Chromium, Copper, and Molybendum show - that they would rather have a half filled d subshell than a full 4s subshell. This would be like them asking about the specific oxidation states that various transition metals form. It is too esoteric and there isn't an obvious trend. If they ask you about one of them, it is more likely to be the Chromium, Copper, Molybendum, or Silver examples because they appear to be consistent.

Because a picture is worth a thousand words, and for reference, here are the transition metals:

 

[4563728]

What the OP be referrin' to, be the fact that some atoms, like Chromium, prefer the configuration [Ar] 3d5 4s1. Similarly, Copper has the configuration [Ar] 3d10 4s1. Molybendum = [Kr] 4d5 5s1

In fact to complicate matters even more, Niobium, which be in the same family as Vanadium, has the configuration [Kr] 4d4 5s1, while Vanadium has the configuration [Ar] 3d3 4s2 as the OP pointed out.

OP - The MCAT be super unlikely to ask you about the configuration of Vanadium or Niobium because they deviate from the trend that Chromium, Copper, and Molybendum show - that they would rather have a half filled d subshell than a full 4s subshell. This would be like them askin' about the specific oxidation states that various transition metals form. It be too esoteric and thar isn't an obvious trend. If they ask you about one of them, it be more likely to be the Chromium, Copper, Molybendum, or Silver examples because they appear to be consistent.

Because a picture be worth a thousand words, and for reference, here be the transition metals:
View attachment 179931

This is exactly what I was referrin g too. it just seemed a little out of the trend. Thanks so much, all your explanations are always so helpful!

 

[inasensegone]

This is exactly what I was referrin g too. it just seemed a little out of the trend. Thanks so much, all your explanations are always so helpful!

You're very welcome! 🙂 I'm glad you find them helpful