Question

When forming ions, does the 5s Orbital get emptied before the 4d orbital, as in the 4s orbital is emptied before the 3d orbital - is it the same for this overlap in energy?

Answer 1

yes, the 5s electrons are ionized before the 4d electrons, and similarly with the 4s/3d electrons.The principal quantum number is of higher priority when ionizations occur.

Answer 2

Thank you! So many exceptions... Gonna have to memorise Aufbau's then :<