1. Find Molybdenum's Atomic Number:
* Molybdenum has an atomic number of 42, meaning it has 42 protons and 42 electrons.
2. Locate the Nearest Noble Gas:
* The nearest noble gas to Molybdenum is Krypton (Kr), which has an atomic number of 36.
3. Write the Noble Gas Configuration:
* The noble gas configuration for Krypton is [Kr]. This represents the first 36 electrons of Molybdenum.
4. Fill the Remaining Orbitals:
* Molybdenum has 6 more electrons than Krypton.
* The next orbital is 5s, which can hold 2 electrons.
* Next comes the 4d orbital, which can hold 10 electrons.
* Fill these orbitals: [Kr] 5s² 4d⁴
Therefore, the noble gas electron configuration for Molybdenum (Mo) is [Kr] 5s² 4d⁴.