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Wize University Chemistry Textbook > Quantum Numbers and Electron Configurations

Ground State vs Excited State Electron Configurations

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Ground State Vs Excited State Electron Configurations

Generally, when we find electron(s) in a higher energy level than expected for ground state, the atom is in an excited state.

Watch Out!
Do not confuse excited state configurations with those of ions.
Excited states have the same number of electrons as the ground state atom, whereas an ionic configuration will have a different a number of electrons than the atom it came from.






Wize Tip
For excited states, the Aufbau Principle and Hund's Rule can be disobeyed, but the Pauli Exclusion Principle must ALWAYS be followed.


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Example: Excited State Electronic Configurations

Determine the electronic configuration for a chlorine atom that has one electron excited from the 3p orbital to the 4s orbital.


ground state Cl: [Ne] 3s2 3p5
excited state Cl: [Ne]3s2 3p4 4s1

Example: Excited States

How many electrons would an excited atom of chlorine have?


A. 6
B. 7
C. 16
D. 18
E. None of the above

Correct Answer: E

Excited state of chlorine has the same number of electrons as the neutral, ground state of chlorine. We do not lose or gain electrons, so the excited state has 17 electrons.
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Practice: Excited State in an Energy Level Diagram

Consider an atom of the alkali metal Potassium.
a) In the energy diagram given, fill in the required number of electrons for a potassium atom and name the occupied orbitals.

b) The valence electron of potassium can be excited to the next highest energy state in the same valence shell. Below, show how the energy level diagram for the excited atom of potassium has changed. Make sure to name all occupied orbitals.


Practice: Ground or Excited State

Identify the following atom or ion and decide whether it is in a ground or excited state

Z = 26 electronic configuration: [Ar]4s23d3
Extra Practice
Electron Configuration: Astatine
The ground state electronic configuration for At is:
Atom: Electron Configuration
The ground state electronic configuration for Cr is
Cr
Bohr Model: Energy levels
The electronic configuration of an atom in an excited state is [Ne]3s13p4. The element is:
Atom: Electronic Configuration
Identify the following atom or ion and decide whether it is in a ground or excited state
Z = 25 electronic configuration : [Ar]4s13d5[Ar]4s^13d^5
Pedicted ground state electron configuration for the doubly charged ion of tungsten (W2+) is?
The correct ground state elctron configuration for V is:
Atom: Electronic Configuration
What is the electron configuration for ground state sulfur?
Electron Configuration: Astatine
The ground state electronic configuration for At is
Atom: Electron Configuration
The ground state electronic configuration for Cr is:
Atom: Excited state
Identify the following atom or ion and decide whether it is in a ground or excited state
Z = 9 electronic configuration: 1s22s22p6
Bohr Model: Excited state
Identify the following atom or ion and decide whether it is in a ground or excited state
Z = 26 electronic configuration: [Ar]4s23d3
Identify the ion or atom with the ground state electron configuration 1s22s22p63s23p64s13d5
Atom: Electronic Configurations
Which of the following transition metals has the most unpaired electrons in it's ground state electron configuration?