Question

The following electron configurations correspond to the ground states of certain elements. Name each element.

1. [Ar]3d^104s^24p^4

2. [Ne]3s^23p^3

3. [Ar]3d^24s^2

4. [Kr]4d^15s^2

5. [Xe]4f^136s^2

Can someone please help explain how to get the answer?

Answer 1

Hint : ground state = lowest possible energy level

Answer 2

If the only thing needed is the name of the element you:
1.FInd the Z for the noble gas.In the first example (Ar) it is 18
2.Count the rest of the electrons 3d^10 .....10 e
4s^2.........2e
4p^4........4e
So there are 16 extra electrons .So the Z=16+18=34
And the element is Se :)