Element guide
Electron configuration of Hafnium (Hf)
The electron configuration of Hafnium is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 4f14 5s2 5p6 5d2 6s2. In shorthand form it is written as [Xe] 4f14 5d2 6s2.
Use this page to connect the notation with atomic number 72, the d-block, and the valence pattern 5d2 6s2.
How to write the configuration
Configuration at a glance
Hafnium has atomic number 72, so a neutral atom has 72 electrons. The configuration is lengthy because Hf lies after the lanthanide series, so the 4f subshell (14 electrons) is completely filled.
The shorthand [Xe] 4f14 5d2 6s2 replaces the filled inner core with xenon. The 4f14 is part of the core notation but is sometimes written explicitly before 5d2 6s2.
Step-by-step filling
After the xenon core (54 electrons), 18 more electrons need placement. The 6s subshell fills first (2 electrons), then the 4f subshell fills with 14 electrons (the entire lanthanide series), and finally 2 electrons go into the 5d subshell.
Step-by-step filling walkthrough: 1. Start with atomic number 72. 2. Fill through xenon: 54 electrons in 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p6. 3. Fill 6s2 (56 electrons total). 4. Fill 4f14 (70 electrons total — the lanthanide series). 5. Place 2 electrons in 5d (72 electrons total). 6. These two 5d electrons occupy different d orbitals (Hund's rule), giving Hf two unpaired electrons.
The lanthanide contraction effect
Hafnium's atomic radius is nearly identical to Zirconium's (its lighter congener in group 4), even though Hf has 32 more electrons. This is the lanthanide contraction: the 4f electrons shield poorly, increasing effective nuclear charge and pulling the outer orbitals inward.
As a result, Hf and Zr have almost identical chemical properties and are very difficult to separate.
Common mistakes
The first mistake is forgetting to include the 4f14 subshell after 6s2. The 4f orbitals fill between 6s and 5d. The second mistake is miscounting: the full tally is 2+2+6+2+6+10+2+6+10+14+2+6+2+2 = 72.
A third common error is writing the configuration in the wrong order. Some references order by principal quantum number (4f before 5d) while others use filling order (5d before 4f).
Hafnium reference table
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 72 |
| Full configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 4f14 5s2 5p6 5d2 6s2 |
| Noble-gas notation | [Xe] 4f14 5d2 6s2 |
| Valence clue | 5d2 6s2 |
| Block | d-block |
Use the table as a learning reference, then verify advanced oxidation-state questions with your course material.
Before you submit an answer
- The superscripts add up to 72 for a neutral Hafnium atom.
- The notation follows the filling order used in your course.
- The last occupied subshell matches the periodic-table block.
- Any transition-metal or actinide exception is checked against a reference.
- The shorthand core is a noble gas, not a random previous element.
Common questions
What is the electron configuration of Hafnium?
The neutral Hafnium atom is written as 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 4f14 5s2 5p6 5d2 6s2. The shorthand form is [Xe] 4f14 5d2 6s2.
How many valence electrons does Hafnium have?
Start from the outer-shell clue 5d2 6s2. For transition metals, inspect both s and d electrons carefully. Hafnium has 4 valence electrons.
Should I memorize this configuration?
Memorize the filling pattern first. Hafnium's configuration is long but systematic: xenon core, then 6s2, 4f14, 5d2. Understanding the 4f filling sequence is more important than memorizing.
Why are Hafnium and Zirconium so similar?
The lanthanide contraction causes Hf and Zr to have almost identical atomic radii. Since electron configuration and size determine chemical properties, Hf and Zr behave nearly identically in compounds.
Practice nearby concepts
Study notes and practice checks
From answer to understanding
Hafnium is the period 6 member of group 4, sitting directly below Zirconium. Its 5d2 6s2 configuration matches the pattern of Ti (3d2 4s2) and Zr (4d2 5s2), confirming that group 4 consistently has d2 s2 across three periods.
Practice comparison
Compare Hafnium (Hf) with Titanium (Ti) and Zirconium (Zr). Ti: [Ar] 3d2 4s2, Zr: [Kr] 4d2 5s2, Hf: [Xe] 4f14 5d2 6s2. The d2 s2 pattern persists across all three periods, though Hf's core includes the filled 4f14 subshell.
Teacher and self-study notes
Hafnium is important in nuclear control rods because of its high neutron absorption cross-section. Its chemical similarity to Zr, combined with different nuclear properties, makes the Hf-Zr separation a critical industrial process.
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