To determine which element corresponds to the electron configuration [tex]\([Ar] 4s^2 3d^{10}\)[/tex], we need to analyze the given configuration in detail.
1. Identify the noble gas core:
- The configuration starts with [tex]\([Ar]\)[/tex], which represents the electron configuration of Argon. Argon (Ar) has 18 electrons.
2. Add the electrons in the outer shells:
- Following [tex]\([Ar]\)[/tex], we have [tex]\(4s^2\)[/tex], indicating 2 electrons in the 4s orbital.
- Next, we have [tex]\(3d^{10}\)[/tex], indicating 10 electrons in the 3d orbital.
3. Sum up the electrons:
- The number of electrons in Argon's configuration: 18
- Add 2 electrons from the [tex]\(4s^2\)[/tex] orbital: [tex]\(18 + 2 = 20\)[/tex]
- Add 10 electrons from the [tex]\(3d^{10}\)[/tex] orbital: [tex]\(20 + 10 = 30\)[/tex]
4. Identify the element:
- An element with 30 electrons corresponds to Zinc (Zn) on the periodic table.
Therefore, the element with the electron configuration [tex]\([Ar] 4s^2 3d^{10}\)[/tex] is Zinc (Zn).
So, the correct answer is:
[tex]\( \boxed{Zn} \)[/tex]
