Alright, so I understand that Cu‘s electron config is 3d10 4s1. Cu1+ can form by simply having its 4s electron taken away. But what about Cu2+? Wouldn‘t taking an electron from 3d10, which is the only way to make 2+, make the electron count 9? Wouldn‘t 10 be more stable?
Cu [Ar]3d104s1 this configuration does not follow the n+l rule. in other words if you use box notation to map out the electron configuration of Cu2+ you dont fill the 4s orbital first. so,if:Cu [Ar]3d104s129atomic numbernu-mber of electrons Then, Cu2+ indicates that 2 electrons have been given up by the copper atom and the electron configuration is therefore: Cu2+ [Ar]3d9 27 atomic number number of electrons .Take care
