Multiple Choice
As an electron moves farther from the nucleus in an atom, how does its energy change?
2
views
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How many energy shells are present in a neutral zinc (Zn) atom?
A
3
B
5
C
4
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the number of energy shells in an atom corresponds to the principal quantum number (n) of the highest occupied energy level.
Determine the atomic number of zinc (Zn), which is 30, meaning it has 30 electrons in a neutral atom.
Write the electron configuration of zinc to identify the highest principal quantum number: Zn's electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰.
Identify the highest principal quantum number (n) in the electron configuration. Here, the highest n is 4 (from the 4s orbital).
Conclude that the number of energy shells in a neutral zinc atom is 4, corresponding to the highest occupied energy level.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations