[Rn]7s^2,5f^3,6d^1 this is the shorthand electron configuration for uranium.

Why it is not 7s^2 5f^4???

Question

[Rn]7s^2,5f^3,6d^1  this is the shorthand electron configuration for uranium. 

Why it is not 7s^2 5f^4???

matt101 · Answer

I'm actually not sure about this...I quickly googled your question and came up with the following: https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110801000522AAAecsF Essentially the answer is that this arrangement is favoured because it minimizes repulsions between electrons, even though it doesn't seem to follow the conventional order of filling orbitals. It seems like things get messier the more electrons you add. Why this specifically is the case is beyond my level of understanding and certainly well above what you'd be expected to know in high school! No wonder you get a bonus mark!

ipwnbunnies · Answer

I remember that electron configuration gets kinda messy and unpredictable in the heavier elements. And I'm not exactly sure why.

korosh23 · Answer

OK, but can you find someone who you know is strong at this stuff? @iPwnBunnies 
I would appreciate it

ipwnbunnies · Answer

@Somy

ipwnbunnies · Answer

Not that I can think of atm.

korosh23 · Answer

Ok well thank you for your help. :)

korosh23 · Answer

@Somy I remember that you explained that uranium belongs to the transition metals, but I still cannot understand why this happens. My teacher asked me to figure this out and I would be glad if you can help me with it. :)

korosh23 · Answer

The shorthand electron configuration is confusing and I cannot find a complete and useful explanation on the internet.

nincompoop · Answer

ask me

nincompoop · Answer

but since you are asked by your teacher to find a useful explanation, that would involve you actually researching and not be fed by information by another person :)

korosh23 · Answer

No believe me I could not find the answer. She did not say for researching, she only assigned me to do this because she did not know the answer  to this question. :)
That is why I have to know this to go and explain to her, in that case I would get a bonus mark. So could you please explain it to me?

nincompoop · Answer

have you learned about orbitals yet? It is due to lesser electron repulsion

korosh23 · Answer

yes we have learned about the orbitals. @nincompoop