Response to Geoffrey Neuss on how to teach the 4s and 3d orbital conundrum

In the accompanying article in this issue Neuss challenges the explanation that was first suggested by Schwarz for how to teach the relative occupation and ionization of atomic orbitals in the atoms of metals in the first transition series. The present article is a response to Neuss' critique which includes a detailed examination of his claim that there is no conclusive evidence for the view that the scandium and other first transition metal atoms lose 4s electrons in preference to those located in 3d orbitals.

Automated summary

This article is a critical response to Neuss' critique, which includes a detailed examination of his claim regarding the preference of transition metal atoms in losing electrons.