Question

What is the ground state electron configuration of the element germanium?

Answer 1

Hint : The above problem can be resolved using the concept of the atomic configuration and electronic distribution in an atom. The atomic number of an atom gives a direct hint that it possesses the same number of electrons to orbit around the energy shell, as the atomic number of the atom.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
According to the modern periodic table, the germanium is the member of the carbon family represented using the symbol $Ge.$ The carbon family is abbreviated as the group number $14$ in the modern periodic table. Besides, germanium is the fourth-period element with the atomic number of $32.$ And the Atomic numbers significant that the same number of electrons is revolving in the atom in various orbits. This means that germanium carries $32$ electrons that are orbiting around the various atomics shells, as given below;
Two electrons in the k shell
Eight electrons in the L shell
Eighteen electrons in the M shell
Four electrons in the N shell.
Moreover, the atomic number is similar in numerical form, giving the detail regarding the number of electrons possessed by an atom of a specific group and the electronic configuration is given by $Ge:1{{s}^{2}}2{{s}^{2}}2{{p}^{6}}3{{s}^{2}}3{{p}^{6}}4{{s}^{2}}3{{d}^{10}}4{{p}^{2}}$
Therefore, the number of electrons orbiting in the germanium atom is $32$

Note :
Remember that to resolve the given problem; one must try to go through the atomic number of the elements. Moreover, to predict the number of electrons, the idea of the group's name that the particular atom belongs to is to be noted.