Question

Predict the electron configuration of Ga.

Short answer

The electron configuration of Gallium (Ga) is [Ar] 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p¹.

Step-by-step solution

Locate Ga in the Periodic Table

Gallium can be found in Period 4, Group 13 of the Periodic Table. This location gives us essential information to know the electron configuration. Gallium is the third element in the 13th column, solidifying its place in the p-block.

Write down Noble Gas Configuration

Noble Gas configuration is a simplified method to express electron configuration. It involves identifying the noble gas that comes before Gallium in the Periodic Table, which is Argon (Ar). The electron configuration of Ar is written first, as [Ar].

Continue the Electron Configuration

Starting from Ar, continue to Ga by filling in the subshells. After Ar (located at the end of the period 3), the order of filling is 4s, 3d and then 4p. The 4s subshell gets 2 electrons, the 3d subshell gets 10, and going down the p-block to reach Ga, the 4p subshell gets 3 electrons.