Promethium Electron Configuration(Explained for Beginners)

Electron configuration for an element in the Periodic table depicts how to distribute the electrons in the atomic orbitals. Let us venture through the electron configuration below.

The Electronic configuration of Promethium is [Xe] 4f5 6s2. Promethium is a radioactive element that is solid at 20°C. The atomic number of Promethium is 61. It is a Lanthanide. Promethium is the second largest in atomic radius among Lanthanides. It is a typical example of Lanthanide contraction.

In this Article, the Electron configuration for Promethium will be shown by elaborating on the rules required to represent the configuration stepwise and also by depicting the orbital diagrams.

How to write Promethium Electron Configuration

The steps for writing the electronic configuration are mentioned below:

  • 1st Step is to write down the shell number.
  • Promethium has 6 electron shells in total.
  • 2nd step is to indicate the orbitals is the next crucial step after writing down the shell number.
  • s, p, d, and f are the four orbitals that are said to hold the electrons in an atom.
  • The holding capacity for orbitals is in the order s<p<d<f i.e., s orbital has the least capacity and f orbital has the highest capacity. s orbital can hold 2 electrons, p orbital can hold 6, d orbital can hold up to 10, and f orbital can hold 14 electrons.
  • The manner of writing the electron configuration is 1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d and so on.
  • 3rd step, In the last step, is to add the electrons in the form of subscripts.
  • The electrons are put as per the highest electron holding capacity of the orbitals.
  • The Electron filling is done in accordance with Aufbau’s principle, Hund’s rule, and as per Pauli exclusion Principle.

Promethium Electron Configuration Diagram

As per Aufbau’s Principle, the electron configuration for Promethium will be

spdf 1 2
Promethium Electronic Configuration

Promethium Electron Configuration Notation

The Electronic configuration Notation for Promethium is [Xe] 4f5 6s2.

Promethium Unabbreviated Electron Configuration

The Unabbreviated Electron Configuration for Promethium is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p6 4f5 6s2.

Ground State Promethium Electron Configuration

The Ground state Electron for Configuration for Promethium is [Xe] 4f5 6s2  or as 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p6 4f5 6s2.

Excited State of Promethium Electron Configuration

The Excited state Promethium Electron configuration is [Xe] 4f4 6s0.

Ground State Promethium Orbital Diagram

The Orbital Diagram for Promethium is depicted as :

ob pm 1
Orbital Diagram for Promethium

Conclusion:

The electronic configuration of an atom can be shown by filling the electrons in various orbitals which possess differences in energy levels. Promethium in total has 3 electrons in its outermost orbitals. Usages of Promethium include making luminous paints, and atomic batteries and it is used for research purposes.

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