Question
Question: The atomic number of potassium is \(19\). Hence the number of electrons in N shell will be (A) \(9...
The atomic number of potassium is 19. Hence the number of electrons in N shell will be
(A) 9
(B) 1
(C) 8
(D) 2
Solution
In an atom, the nucleus is present in the center and the electrons are present in various shells around the nucleus. The shells are alphabetically represented as K,L,M,N.... and so on. These shells can be figured out by writing the electronic configuration of the atom.
Complete step by step answer:
There are a total four quantum numbers that are n,l,ml and ms. Among which n or principal quantum. Number determines the shells of atoms. The size and energy of the atom depends upon its principal quantum number.
AS the number of n increases, so increases the number of shells. The shells are represented as:
Principal quantum number (n) | Shell |
---|---|
1 | K |
2 | L |
3 | M |
4 | N |
In the given question, to find out the number of electrons in N shell, we firstly need to know the electronic configuration of the atom that is potassium.
Atomic number of potassium =19
Its, electronic configuration =2,8,8,1
KLMN
Thus, as N is the fourth shell, it is having one electron in it.
Here, N shell is the outermost or the valence shell. So, potassium has one valence electron. Therefore, potassium belongs to the group 1 of periodic table.
Potassium has 2,8 and 8 electrons in the K,L and M respectively.
So, the correct answer is Option B.
Additional Information:
The n also determines the number of subshells within the shell. The subshells s,p,d,f are determined by azimuthal quantum number (l). The value of l always ranges between 0 to n−1.
Azimuthal quantum number is also known as orbital or subsidiary quantum number defines the three-dimensional shape of the orbital.
Note:
The maximum number of electrons present in a shell (n) can be determined by the formula 2n2. For example, the number of electrons in the first shell is, n=1, 2n2=2.
For the second shell, n=2, 2n2=8. Hence, 8 electrons in the second shell and so on.