What is the principal quantum number for the outermost electrons in potassium (K

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Question: What is the principal quantum number for the outermost electrons in potassium (K)?

Options:

Correct Answer: 4

Solution:

Potassium has an atomic number of 19, and its outermost electrons are in the 4th shell (n=4).

What is the principal quantum number for the outermost electrons in potassium (K)?

What is the principal quantum number for the outermost electrons in potassium (K)?

Step 1: Find the atomic number of potassium (K). The atomic number is 19.
Step 2: Understand that the atomic number tells us the number of electrons in a neutral atom. Potassium has 19 electrons.
Step 3: Determine how the electrons are arranged in shells. The first shell can hold 2 electrons, the second can hold 8, and the third can hold 8.
Step 4: Fill the shells with electrons: 2 in the first shell, 8 in the second shell, and 8 in the third shell. This accounts for 18 electrons.
Step 5: The remaining 1 electron goes into the fourth shell, which is the outermost shell for potassium.
Step 6: Identify the principal quantum number (n) for the outermost shell. Since the outermost shell is the fourth shell, n = 4.

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