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Why is scandium's 4s electron removed before its 3d electron if the 4s electron is always filled before the 3d electron?

A. The 4s electron is easier to remove.
B. The 3d electron has a lower binding energy.
C. The 4s electron has a lower binding energy.
D. The 3d electron is easier to remove.

Answer :

Final answer:

In scandium, the 4s electron is removed before the 3d electron because, despite filling the 4s orbital first, it's energetically easier to remove the 4s electron after 4s and 3d orbitals are filled.

Explanation:

In the case of scandium, the 4s electron is removed before the 3d electron because it is energetically easier to do so. The energy levels of atomic orbitals are not always straightforward. Though it's true that the 4s sublevel is filled before the 3d during the electron configuration, when it comes to ionization, the 4s electrons are removed first. The reason for this is that after a 4s electron has been added to an atom, the 3d orbitals contract, and their energy goes below that of the 4s orbital, making 4s electron easier to remove.

Learn more about Scandium Electron Configuration here:

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