Question

What is the shorthand electron configuration of xenon?

Answer 1

I would write it `[Kr] 5s^2 4d^10 5p^6`

Explanation:

It is the accepted practice to use the [X] notation, where X is the noble gas of next lower atomic number as a shorthand to avoid writing a lot of detail about electrons that are not valence electrons.

You don't want to write `[Xe}` though, as that would provide no information at all!