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Ch.5 - Periodicity & Electronic Structure of Atoms
Chapter 5, Problem 112

At what atomic number is the filling of a g orbital likely to begin?

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1
Understand the concept of electron orbitals: Electrons in an atom fill up orbitals in a specific order based on their energy levels. The order generally follows the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons occupy the lowest energy orbital available.
Identify the types of orbitals: Orbitals are categorized into types such as s, p, d, and f. Each type of orbital has a different shape and energy level. The g orbital is another type that would theoretically follow the f orbital in terms of energy and complexity.
Recall the order of filling orbitals: The order in which orbitals are filled is s, p, d, f, and then g. Each type of orbital starts filling at different atomic numbers, with s orbitals starting at hydrogen (atomic number 1), p orbitals starting at boron (atomic number 5), d orbitals starting at scandium (atomic number 21), and f orbitals starting at cerium (atomic number 58).
Determine the starting atomic number for g orbitals: Based on the pattern of orbital filling and the periodic table, the g orbitals would begin to fill after the f orbitals. Since the f orbitals start at atomic number 58 and fill through elements with higher atomic numbers, the g orbitals would begin to fill at an atomic number higher than those that fill the f orbitals.
Apply the periodic table and theoretical predictions: As of now, g orbitals are theoretical and have not been observed in naturally occurring elements. They are predicted to start filling in the eighth period of the periodic table, which includes elements with atomic numbers higher than those currently discovered or confirmed.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Atomic Number

The atomic number of an element is defined as the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. It determines the identity of the element and its position in the periodic table. As atomic numbers increase, the arrangement of electrons in various orbitals follows specific patterns dictated by quantum mechanics.
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Electron Configuration

Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. It follows the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level to higher ones. The filling of the g orbital begins after the f orbitals are filled, which occurs at higher atomic numbers.
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g Orbitals

g orbitals are a type of atomic orbital that can hold a maximum of 14 electrons and are characterized by their complex shapes. They begin to fill after the f orbitals, starting at atomic number 103 (Lawrencium). Understanding the filling order of these orbitals is crucial for predicting the chemical properties of elements in the actinide and transactinide series.
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