Question

A neutral atom has the following characteristics: - it has 6 valence electrons - it's a transition metal - the highest quantum level occupied is n = 4 What is the identity of this atom? Enter either the element name or symbol (case insensitive)

Answer 1

Highest quantum level occupied is n = 4, Thus, it belongs to 4^th period

It is a transition metal

Tansition metal has general electronic configuration : 3d^1-10 4s²

A neutral atom has valence electrons = 6

There are 2 electrons in s -orbital. So, there are only 4 electrons in its d-orbital

Thus, electronic configuration should be 3d⁴ 4s²

But half filled d-orbital is more stable. So actual electronic configuration should be  3d⁵ 4s¹ = electronic configuration of Cr

So atom is chromium or Cr