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)?

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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