[oceanmd]

When writing the electron configuration for the element Seaborgium, the final electron written enters a(n) (blank) orbital
Choices: s, p, d, f

Electron configuration for Sg is 1s2 2s2p6 3s2p6d10 4s2p6d10f14 5s2p6d10f14 6s2p6d4 7s2

I was absolutely sure about the answer, but when I got my work back is is marked as wrong. My answer was s

Please help. What is the correct answer

[MrTeo]

First of all you have to consider the increasing energy in the orbitals, not only the increase of the principal quantum number:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_configuration#Aufbau_principle_and_Madelung_rule

when you've done if still your answer is not right think about the anomalies of the d-block elements in their electron configurations...

[oceanmd]

MrTeo,

Thank you. Is is so simple to answer this question and so complicated to understand the whole mechanism behind it.

Thank you again