General electronic configuration of outermost and...

General electronic configuration of outermost and penultimate shell is $(n-1) s^{2}(n-1) p^{6}(n-1) d^{x} n s^{2} .$ If $n=4$ and $x=5$, then number of protons in the nucleus will be:
[P.E.T. (M.P.) 2003]
(a) $>25$
$\square$ (b) $<24$
(c) 25
$\square$ (d) 30

Key Concepts

Atomic Number

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus, and in a neutral atom, it is equal to the number of electrons. This fundamental property defines the identity of the element and determines its position in the periodic table.

Subshells and Orbitals

Subshells, designated by letters such as s, p, and d, represent groups of orbitals within a principal energy level that share the same energy characteristics. Each subshell can hold a specific maximum number of electrons (s: 2, p: 6, d: 10, etc.), and the occupancy of these orbitals determines many of the element's chemical and physical properties.

Penultimate and Outermost Shell

The penultimate shell is the one just below the outermost (valence) shell and often plays a role in the overall electron configuration by stabilizing the structure. The outermost shell, being the highest in energy, contains the valence electrons that are most involved in chemical reactions and bonding.

Electronic Configuration

Electronic configuration describes how electrons are distributed among the various energy levels and subshells (s, p, d, etc.) in an atom. It follows specific rules and notations that indicate the number of electrons in each orbital, which is crucial for understanding an element's chemical properties and reactivity.

Principal Quantum Number

The principal quantum number (n) indicates the energy level or shell of an electron in an atom. Higher n values correspond to electrons that are, on average, farther from the nucleus and are more involved in chemical bonding due to their higher energy and larger spatial distribution.

Transcript

Please give Ace some feedback