Question

What is the valence electron configuration of iron?

Answer 1

`1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^6`

Explanation:

Iron number 26 has the first three electron shells completely filled.

This leaves Iron ( Fe) with 8 valance electrons.

Two valance electrons are in the 4 s orbital. These are the first electrons that Iron tends to lose. giving a charge of +2

A half filled 3d orbital is somewhat stable so the 6 3d electrons are not stable. losing one 3d electron leaves 5 3d electrons which is half filled electron sub shell, which is somewhat stable.

Losing the 2 4s electrons and 1 3d electron gives Iron a charge of +3

The electron configuration of Iron helps to provide the magnetic nature of the element. Electrons moving in the same direction create a magnetic field force. The four unpaired electrons of Iron in the 3 d orbitals can all line up moving in the same direction creating a magnetic field.