Question

What is the ground state shorthand notation for iron (Fe)?

Answer 1

For `Fe`, `Z=26`.

Explanation:

`1s^(2)2s^(2)2p^(6)3s^(2)3p^(6)4s^(2)3d^(6)`

Are these 26 electrons here? Why should there be 26?

So going back to the inert gas, argon (`Z=18`), we get `[Ar]4s^(2)3d^(6)`.