What is the noble gas configuration for tellurium (Te)?The Periodic TableA.[Kr] 5s25p65d8B.[Xe] 5s25p65d8C.[Kr] 5s24d105p4D.[Xe] 5s24d105p4

1. Break Down the Problem

The goal is to determine the noble gas electron configuration for tellurium (Te). It is essential to identify the atomic number of tellurium and then write its electron configuration using the nearest noble gas as a reference.

2. Relevant Concepts

• The atomic number of tellurium (Te) is 52.
• The nearest noble gas preceding tellurium is krypton (Kr), which has an atomic number of 36.
• The electron configuration notation proceeds by filling the available orbitals following the order defined by the Aufbau principle.

3. Analysis and Detail

1. Start with the noble gas configuration: $[Kr]$

2. Now, count the remaining electrons after krypton (36 electrons):

   • Total electrons for Te = 52
   • Electrons remaining = 52 - 36 = 16

3. Fill the available orbitals:

   • The filling follows the order (after krypton):
     • 5s (2 electrons)
     • 4d (10 electrons)
     • 5p (4 electrons)

   Therefore, the electron configuration beyond krypton becomes: $5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^4$

4. Thus, the complete noble gas configuration for tellurium is: $[Kr] 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^4$

4. Verify and Summarize

In checking the options presented:

• A. $[Kr] 5s^2 5p^6 5d^8$ → Incorrect
• B. $[Xe] 5s^2 5p^6 5d^8$ → Incorrect
• C. $[Kr] 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^4$ → Correct
• D. $[Xe] 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^4$ → Incorrect

Final Answer

The noble gas configuration for tellurium (Te) is C. $[Kr] 5s^2 4d^{10} 5p^4$.