Chemistry

Question Analysis
This question assesses the student's ability to use shorthand notation for electron configurations, which involves using the symbol of a noble gas to represent the filled inner electron configuration.

Key Concept Explanation
Shorthand notation simplifies the representation of electron configurations by using the symbol of the nearest noble gas to represent the filled inner shells. The remaining valence shell configuration is then written.

Step-by-step Solution
1. Identify the nearest noble gas before zinc (Zn, atomic number 30), which is argon (Ar, atomic number 18).
2. Write the electron configuration of zinc: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰.
3. Use [Ar] to represent the filled inner shells (1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶).
4. Write the remaining val...