To write the configuration for the Zinc and the Zinc ion, first we need to write the electron configuration for just Zinc (Zn). We first need to find the number of electrons for the Zn atom (there are 30 electrons) using the Periodic Table. When we write the configuration, we'll put all 20 electrons in orbitals around the nucleus of the Zinc atom.

In this video we'll use the Periodic Table to help us write the notation for Zn and Zn 2+. Alternatively you can use a chart showing how the orbitals fill ([ Ссылка ]).

Either way, the Zinc electron configuration will be 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2

Note that when writing the electron configuration for an atom like Zn and Zn2+, the 3d is usually written before the 4s. Both of the configurations have the correct numbers of electrons in each orbital, it is just a matter of how the electronic configuration notation is written (see below for an explanation why).

For the Zn 2+, called the Zinc ion, we remove two electrons from 4s2 leaving us with:

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10


• Introduction to Writing Electron Configurations: [ Ссылка ]
• Electron Configurations Chart: [ Ссылка ]
• Writing Electron Configs Using only the Periodic Table: [ Ссылка ]
• Order of d and s Orbital Filling: [ Ссылка ]

The configuration notation provides an easy way for scientists to write and communicate how electrons are arranged around the nucleus of an atom. This makes it easier to understand and predict how atoms will interact to form chemical bonds.

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