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An element has an atomic number of 16. What is the principal quantum number (n) of its outermost electrons ?
Explanation
The atomic number of the element is 16, which identifies it as Sulfur (S). To find the principal quantum number (n) of its outermost electrons, we determine its electronic configuration using the Aufbau principle:
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4
In this configuration:
- The first shell (n=1) has 2 electrons (1s2).
- The second shell (n=2) has 8 electrons (2s2 2p6).
- The third shell (n=3) has 6 electrons (3s2 3p4).
The outermost electrons reside in the third shell. The principal quantum number (n) represents the relative overall energy of each orbital and the energy level of an electron in an atom. Since the valence electrons are in the 3s and 3p orbitals, the principal quantum number (n) is 3.
SIMILAR QUESTIONS
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