What is the atomic number of the element which has `3d^(6)` as its outermost configuration?

Options

A. 12
B. 32
C. 26
D. 24

Explanation

To find the atomic number of the element with the outermost electron configuration of `3d^6`, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Write the complete electron configuration
We start by filling the orbitals according to the Aufbau principle, Hund's rule, and the Pauli exclusion principle. The given outermost configuration is `3d^6`, so we will fill the orbitals leading up to this configuration.

1. **1s**: 2 electrons → `1s^2`
2. **2s**: 2 electrons → `2s^2`
3. **2p**: 6 electrons → `2p^6`
4. **3s**: 2 electrons → `3s^2`
5. **3p**: 6 electrons → `3p^6`
6. **4s**: 2 electrons → `4s^2`
7. **3d**: 6 electrons → `3d^6`

Putting this all together, the complete electron configuration is:
\[ 1s^2 \, 2s^2 \, 2p^6 \, 3s^2 \, 3p^6 \, 4s^2 \, 3d^6 \]

### Step 2: Count the total number of electrons
Now, we will count the total number of electrons in each orbital:

- From `1s^2`: 2 electrons
- From `2s^2`: 2 electrons
- From `2p^6`: 6 electrons
- From `3s^2`: 2 electrons
- From `3p^6`: 6 electrons
- From `4s^2`: 2 electrons
- From `3d^6`: 6 electrons

Now, we sum these up:
\[ 2 + 2 + 6 + 2 + 6 + 2 + 6 = 26 \]

### Step 3: Determine the atomic number
The atomic number of an element is equal to the total number of electrons in a neutral atom. Therefore, the atomic number of the element with the outermost configuration `3d^6` is **26**.

### Final Answer
The atomic number of the element with the outermost configuration `3d^6` is **26**.

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