Skip to main content
Ch.5 - Periodicity & Electronic Structure of Atoms
Chapter 5, Problem 110c

Write the symbol, give the ground-state electron configuration, and draw an orbital-filling diagram for each of the following atoms. Use the abbreviation of the preceding noble gas to represent the inner-shell electrons. 
(c) The heaviest actinide metal

Verified Solution

Video duration:
4m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Actinide Series

The actinide series consists of 15 elements from actinium (Ac, atomic number 89) to lawrencium (Lr, atomic number 103). These elements are characterized by the filling of the 5f orbitals and exhibit similar properties, including radioactivity and the ability to form complex compounds. Understanding the actinides is crucial for identifying the heaviest actinide metal, which is typically considered to be lawrencium.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:02
Activity Series Chart

Electron Configuration

Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. It is represented using a notation that indicates the energy levels and sublevels filled with electrons. For actinides, the electron configuration involves the 5f, 6d, and 7s orbitals, and it is essential to know how to write these configurations to accurately represent the ground state of the heaviest actinide metal.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:33
Electron Configuration Example

Orbital-Filling Diagram

An orbital-filling diagram visually represents the arrangement of electrons in an atom's orbitals. It uses boxes or lines to depict orbitals and arrows to indicate the electrons, following the Pauli exclusion principle and Hund's rule. Creating an orbital-filling diagram for the heaviest actinide metal helps illustrate how electrons occupy the available orbitals, providing insight into the atom's chemical behavior.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:33
Molecular Orbital Diagram