Understanding the Electronic Configuration of d and f Block Elements

The electronic configuration of d-block elements (transition elements) generally follows the pattern (n-1)d^1-10ns^1-2. For example, the electronic configuration of Iron (Fe) is [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s².

The f-block elements (lanthanides and actinides) have electrons filling the 4f and 5f orbitals, respectively. The general configuration for lanthanides is [Xe] 4f^1-14 5d^0-1 6s² and for actinides is [Rn] 5f^1-14 6d^0-1 7s².