Select the correct set of quantum numbers (n,l,m_l,m_s)for the highest energy electron in the ground state of potassium,K. A)4,1,-1, B)4,1,0, C)4,0,1, D)4,0,0, E)4,1,1,

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ground state of potassium has an electron configuration of [Ar]4s1. This means that the highest energy electron is in the 4s orbital (n=4). The 4s orbital has l=0, so the correct value for l is 0. The magnetic quantum number, mS, describes the orientation of the electron's spin and can be either +1/2 or -1/2. Therefore the correct value for mS is 0. The correct set of quantum numbers for the highest energy electron in the ground state of potassium is 4,0,0. The other choices have incorrect values for the quantum numbers.

Select the Correct Set of Quantum Numbers (N,l,ml,ms)for the Highest

Select the Correct Set of Quantum Numbers (N,l,m_l,m_s)for the Highest