1. Start with the neutral atom:
* Iron (Fe) has an atomic number of 26, meaning it has 26 electrons.
* The electronic configuration of neutral iron is: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d⁶
2. Account for the positive charge:
* Fe³⁺ means iron has lost 3 electrons.
* Remove the electrons from the highest energy levels first (4s and then 3d).
3. Final Electronic Configuration:
* 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d⁵
Therefore, the electronic configuration of Fe³⁺ is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d⁵.