Argon Electronic Configuration:7 Facts You Should Know!

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Argon is a neutral gaseous atom that belongs to group 18 of the periodic table. Let us have a look at the electronic configuration of argon in this article.

Argon condensed electron configuration is [2, 8, 8]. The argon atom consists of 22 neutrons, 18 electrons, and 18 protons. The condensed electron configuration of an atom consists of an electron configuration that includes only K, L, and M. Shells and does not specify the s, p, d, and f orbitals.

We will discuss some facts about the electronic configuration of argon such as writing argon electronic configuration and orbital diagram of ground state argon.

How to Write Argon Electronic Configuration?

The Ar atom consists of 18 electrons. Following Aufbau’s principle electrons will be filled in order of their increasing energies. After that according to Hund’s rule, pairing of electrons takes place in opposite direction as per Pauli exclusion principle.

Argon Electron Configuration Diagram

The electron configuration of the argon is expressed in the form of the diagram as given below-

  • 1s orbital having minimum energy is filled first, with a maximum capacity of two electrons.
  • After 1s orbital, the 2s orbital is filled with a maximum capacity of two electrons.
  • After 2s orbital, the 2p orbital is filled with a maximum capacity of six electrons.
  • After 2p orbital, the 3s orbital is filled with a maximum capacity of two electrons.
  • After 3s orbital, the 3p orbital is filled with a maximum capacity of six electrons.

So, the diagram will be-

Screenshot 258
Argon Electronic Configuration Diagram

Argon Electron Configuration Notation

The argon electronic configuration notation is depicted as –

[Ne] 3s23p6

The argon electronic configuration notation consists of a total of 18 electrons out of which 10 electrons are from the Neon gas configuration, 2 electrons in 3s, and 6 electrons in 3p.

Argon Unabbreviated Electron Configuration

The electronic configuration for argon is depicted as –

 1s2 2s22p6 3s23p6

The argon unabbreviated electron configuration consists of a total of 18 electrons which are filled as follows –

  • Two electrons are present in 1s orbital.
  • Two electrons in 2s orbital.
  • Six electrons in 2p orbital.
  • Two electrons in 3s orbital.
  • Six electrons in 3p orbital.

Ground State Argon Electron Configuration

Ground state configuration of argon is 1s2 2s22p6 3s23p6.

Excited State of Argon Electron Configuration

The excited state does not occurs for argon. Argon consists of completely filled s and p orbitals which make it highly stable and it does not form compounds with other atoms readily. It may react with some atoms to form compounds but this takes place in extreme chemical conditions.

Ground State Argon Orbital Diagram

In ground state of argon the first energy level (K-shell) has 2 electrons, the second energy level(L-shell) has 8 electrons and the third energy level(M-shell) also has 8 electrons. The orbital diagram of argon is-

Screenshot 264
Ground State Argon Orbital Diagram
Screenshot 262 1
Filling of Electrons in Ground State

Argon 2+ Electron Configuration

The electron configuration of argon in 2+ oxidation state is  [Ne] 3s23p4. The electrons are filled in various orbitals while considering Aufbau’s principle, Hund’s rule and Pauli’s exclusion principle as given below-

Screenshot 265 1
Filling of Electrons in Ar2+Orbitals

Conclusion

Argon is a noble gas that is present in the earth’s atmosphere. It is used as an inert shielding gas in lamps and bulbs. It does not readily react with other substances due to its inertness. Argon and oxygen have similar solubility properties in water. It is produced by industrial techniques and radioactive decay.

                       

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