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    Chemistry A-Level

    4s before 3d

    What 4s before 3d means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for AQA.

    Definition of 4s before 3d

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    Reference: AQA

    The 4s sub-shell lies just below 3d in energy so it fills first, but once the 3d sub-shell is occupied it drops below 4s.
    AQA · Electron configuration (study guide)

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