A level chemistry past paper question help

Was doing some past paper questions and i’m not sure why B is the answer not C, please help.
Which shows the configuration of an atom of a transition metal?:
A [Ar] 4s2,3d0
B [Ar] 4s2,3d8
C [Ar] 4s2, 3d10
D [Ar] 4s2, 3d10, 4p1

Reply 1

BankaiGintoki

Original post by AVeryCoolPerson

So you have 2 definitions I will write for you
d block element - atom whose highest energy orbital is a d orbital
Transition element - d block element that can form at least one ion with a partially filled d subshell. For this reason, Zinc and Scandium are not considered transition elements
For writing the electron configurations, remember Cu and Cr are your exceptions, needing a full d subshell and half d subshell respectively. So has a 4S1. These are the only exceptions for the transistion elements
For example, Cu is [Ar]4s1,3d10
Cu1+ is [Ar]3d10
Cu2+ is [Ar]3d9
It has formed at least one ion with a partially filled d subshell
A - highest energy is s orbital, not a d block element
D - highest energy is p orbital, not a d block element
C - is Zinc, which is a d block element, but not a transition metal