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For p-block elements forming cations, electrons are removed from which orbitals first?
AThe d orbitals first
BThe f orbitals first
CThe p orbitals first
DThe s orbitals first
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. The p orbitals first
1. The order of removal differs between blocks of the periodic table.
2. For the transition metals, electrons are removed from the s orbital first and then from the d orbital.
3. For the p-block elements, electrons are removed from the p orbitals and then from the s orbital.
4. So the highest energy occupied orbital empties first in each case.
5. Chromium, being a transition element, should lose its s electrons and then its d electrons.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry 2e (CC BY 4.0), Ch 7 'Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry', sections 7.1-7.6_
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