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Q
QuestionChemistry

Write the full electron configuration for a K − ion.
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this step-by-step following the specified LaTeX and formatting guidelines:

Step 2:
: Identify the Element

Potassium (K) has the atomic number 19, which means it has 19 protons and 19 electrons in its neutral state.

Step 3:
: Determine the Ion Charge

The problem specifies a K$$^{-}$$ ion, which means the atom has gained one electron.
So we'll write the configuration for 20 electrons.

Step 4:
: Write the Electron Configuration

4s^{1}
To write the electron configuration, we'll fill orbitals in order of increasing energy:

Step 5:
: Verify Total Electron Count

- $$4s^{1}$$: 1 electron
Let's count the electrons: Total: 20 electrons ✓

Final Answer

The electron configuration for K^{-} is 1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{6} 4s^{1}.