Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct electron configuration for the element gallium (Ga)?
4
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How many subshells are present in the n = 4 shell of an atom?
A
2
B
3
C
4
D
1
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the principal quantum number $n$ defines the shell number in an atom, and for each shell, the possible subshells are determined by the azimuthal quantum number $l$.
The azimuthal quantum number $l$ can take integer values from $0$ up to $n-1$. So for $n = 4$, $l$ can be $0, 1, 2,$ or $3$.
Each value of $l$ corresponds to a different subshell: $l=0$ is the $s$ subshell, $l=1$ is the $p$ subshell, $l=2$ is the $d$ subshell, and $l=3$ is the $f$ subshell.
Count the number of possible $l$ values for $n=4$, which gives the total number of subshells in the $n=4$ shell.
Conclude that the number of subshells in the $n=4$ shell is equal to the number of allowed $l$ values, which is $4$.
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