When writing an electron configuration for a transition metal, what is the last orbital type to be filled – an s, p, d or f orbital?

Respuesta :

It would be d.

Reason being said...

the electron configuration normally goes like this...

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2....

until you hit the transition metals..remember those have a special rule..

even though you are in the 4 sublevels for the orbitals ... it goes down 1

Making it 3d..(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10)

Going on...

at 5s2 then, 4d1, 4d2, 4d3, 4d4, etc..

at 6s2 then, 5d1, 6d2, 6d3, 6d4, etc..

Thus, D orbital is your answer.