Identify the elements that correspond to the following generalized electron configuration: (noble gas]ns2(n − 2) f6
Express your answer as the element symbol. If there is more than one answer, separate them by a comma.
Samarium is a chemical element that belongs to the lanthanoid series. The lanthanoids are the chemical elements that follow lanthanum. They are all known to possess 4f orbitals. The 4f electrons are found in the antepenultimate shell of the elements of the lanthanoid series and they do not take part in chemical bonding. They are neither removed in bonding nor do they take part in crystal field stabilization of lanthanoid complexes.
The electronic configuration of samarium is; 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f6 while the condensed, short hand electronic configuration is [Xe] 4f6 6s2. This corresponds to (noble gas]ns2(n − 2) f6 as required by the question, hence the answer provided above.
