What is the atomic symbol for the element corresponding to the configuration [Xe] 6s^2 4f^14 5d^8?

The given electron configuration is [Xe] 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d⁸. To determine the atomic symbol of the element represented by this configuration, we need to analyze the specific configuration and the total number of electrons.

Starting with the inner noble gas, xenon ([Xe]), which contains 54 electrons, we add the electrons specified in the configuration. The term 6s² tells us that 2 electrons are in the 6s subshell, while 4f¹⁴ indicates that there are 14 electrons in the 4f subshell. Lastly, 5d⁸ shows that there are 8 electrons in the 5d subshell.

By summing these contributions:

• Xenon provides 54 electrons.

• The 6s² contributes 2 electrons, bringing the total to 56.

• The 4f¹⁴ adds 14 electrons for a total of 70.

• The final addition of 5d⁸ contributes 8 more, resulting in a total of 78 electrons.

The atomic number, which corresponds to the number of protons in the nucleus and therefore the unique identity of the element, is 78. This atomic number matches