What element corresponds to the electron configuration [Ar] 4s² 3d⁶?

The electron configuration [Ar] 4s² 3d⁶ indicates that the element has a total of 26 electrons, as the configuration starts with the noble gas Argon (Ar), which contributes 18 electrons. The notation 4s² means there are 2 electrons in the 4s subshell, and 3d⁶ indicates 6 electrons in the 3d subshell. Adding these together (18 from Argon + 2 from 4s + 6 from 3d) gives a total of 26 electrons.

This electron configuration corresponds to Iron (Fe), which is located in period 4 and group 8 of the periodic table. Iron has an atomic number of 26 and is characterized by its unique electron filling, with 2 electrons filling the 4s orbital followed by 6 electrons in the 3d orbitals.

The other elements listed do not match this configuration. Cobalt has 27 electrons and would be represented by [Ar] 4s² 3d⁷. Manganese has 25 electrons, with the electron configuration of [Ar] 4s² 3d⁵. Vanadium has 23 electrons, represented as [