Multiple Choice
Which element has an electron configuration of 2–5, and how many protons does its atom contain?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which principal quantum number (n) corresponds to the lowest possible energy level that an electron can occupy in an atom?
A
n = 2
B
n = 1
C
n = 3
D
n = 0
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the principal quantum number, denoted as $n$, indicates the main energy level or shell of an electron in an atom.
Understand that $n$ can only take positive integer values starting from 1, i.e., $n = 1, 2, 3, \ldots$; it cannot be zero or negative.
Recognize that the lowest energy level corresponds to the smallest value of $n$, which is $n = 1$; this is also called the ground state.
Note that higher values of $n$ correspond to higher energy levels and electrons farther from the nucleus.
Therefore, the principal quantum number $n = 1$ corresponds to the lowest possible energy level an electron can occupy in an atom.
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