Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the ground state electron configuration of selenium (Se)?
1
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
What is the maximum number of electrons that the n = 4 shell can contain?
A
16
B
24
C
32
D
8
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the principal quantum number \( n \) defines the shell or energy level of an electron in an atom.
For a given \( n \), the possible values of the azimuthal quantum number \( l \) range from \( 0 \) to \( n-1 \). For \( n = 4 \), \( l \) can be 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Each \( l \) corresponds to a subshell: \( l=0 \) is s, \( l=1 \) is p, \( l=2 \) is d, and \( l=3 \) is f. The number of orbitals in each subshell is given by \( 2l + 1 \).
Calculate the total number of orbitals in the \( n=4 \) shell by summing the orbitals in each subshell: \( (2\times0+1) + (2\times1+1) + (2\times2+1) + (2\times3+1) \).
Since each orbital can hold 2 electrons (with opposite spins), multiply the total number of orbitals by 2 to find the maximum number of electrons in the \( n=4 \) shell.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations