Atomic Structure (XI)

ATOMIC STRUCTURE
Introduction/Historical background
− Early Hindu (Maharishi Kapila, Maharshi Kanada) and Greek Philosophers (Leucippus, Democritus)
were the originators of the concept of atoms.
− Greek word atomos (a = absence, tomos = cut)

Dalton’s Atomic Theory (1808)

− It states that all matters are made up of small, indivisible particles known as ‘atoms’.
Postulates:
1. All matter consists of tiny indivisible particles called atoms.
2. All atoms of a specific element are identical in all respects. However, atoms of different elements
exhibit different properties and vary in mass and size.
3. Atoms can neither be created nor destroyed. (indestructible, indivisible)
4. Atoms of different elements can combine with each other in fixed whole-number ratios in order to
form compounds.
5. Atoms can be rearranged, combined, or separated in chemical reactions.
 Dalton’s Atomic Theory
Limitations:

1. It does not account for subatomic particles.

2. It does not account for isotopes and isobars.
3. Elements need not combine in simple whole-number ratios to form
compounds.
4. The theory does not account for allotropes.

Merits:
5. The law of multiple proportions, the law of conservation of mass, and the law of
constant proportions are not violated by Dalton’s atomic theory.
6. The theory provides a basis to differentiate between elements (atoms) and
compounds (molecules).
Discovery of the electron
− J.J. Thomson

Discovery of the proton

− E. Goldstein

Discovery of neutron
− James Chadwick (1932)
− Late discovery due to electrically neutral nature
Comparison of some properties of subatomic particles (e, p and n)
Comparison of some properties of subatomic particles (e, p and n)
 Atomic models
1. JJ Thomson’s Atomic model
2. Rutherford’s Atomic model
3. Bohr’s Atomic model
4. Bohr-Sommerfeld atomic model (Modification of Bohr’s atomic
model)
5. Wave mechanical and quantum mechanical model of the atom:
Quantum theory
 Thomson’s Atomic Model:

• Postulate 1: An atom is a positively charged sphere with electrons embedded inside.

• Postulate 2: The atom is electrically neutral as positive and negative charges balance out.
Analogy:
Like a watermelon—
• Seeds = electrons (negative charges)
• Red part = positive charge
Limitations:
• Could not explain how positive charge holds electrons in place (stability issue).
• Failed to explain alpha particle scattering and the presence of the nucleus.
• Lacked experimental support.
JJ Thomson atomic model
 Rutherford’s Atomic model
(α-ray scattering experiment)

Rutherford’s famous experiment involved α-particle scattering.

In this experiment, high-energy α particles from a radioactive source were directed at

a thin gold foil.

The foil was surrounded by a zinc sulphide screen that produced a tiny flash of light
whenever an α particle struck it.

⮚ This experiment led to the discovery of nucleus so it is called nuclear

model of atom..
⮚ α-particles are shot out from radio active elements with
very high speed.
⮚ They are the nucleus of helium atoms. It has a charge of
+2 and mass 4 amu.
(α-ray scattering experiment)
 Observation

•Most of the Alpha particles passed through the foil without undergoing any deflection.
•Few Alpha particles underwent deflection through small angles.
•Very few were deflected back through an angle greater than 90°.
 Conclusion
s
• Since most of the Alpha particles passed through the foil without undergoing any
deflection, there must be sufficient empty space within the atom.“
• Since few alpha particles were deflected through small angles and alpha particles were
positively charged particles, these could be deflected only by some positive body present
within the atom. The alpha particles deflected were those which passed very close to this
positive body.
• Since some alpha particles were deflected back and alpha particles are heavy particle, these
could be deflected back only when they strike some heavier body inside the atom.
• Since the number of alpha particles deflected back is very very small, this shows that the
heavy body present in an atom must be occupying a very very small volume.
• The small heavy positively charged body present within the atom was called nucleus.
As per Rutherford Nuclear Model of Atom,
•Every atom has a nucleus.
•The size of the nucleus is very small. It is 1/10
the size of an atom.
•This nucleus is positively charged.
•Even though the nucleus is of small size, it has a
very high mass. Nearly all the mass of an atom is
inside the nucleus.
•Electrons revolve around the nucleus in a
circular path.
 Limitations
1. Inability to explain the stability of atom:
According to this model, electron revolves around the positively
charged nucleus in a circular path.
As the electron revolves in a circular orbit, it is constantly subjected to
centripetal acceleration and radiates energy continuously ( as per
Maxwell's EM theory) . As a result due to this continuous loss of
energy, the electrons should follow spiral path towards the nucleus
and fall into it. Hence atoms must collapse, but they are stable.

Radiation of energy by moving electron should give continuous atomic spectra but this doesn’t happen
as atoms give discontinuous line spectra which represent radiation of different frequencies.
Spectra
Spectra are the patterns of light or other electromagnetic radiation emitted or
absorbed by substances. They provide valuable information about the composition
and properties of materials.
Types of Spectra:
[Link] Spectrum:
Produced by a hot, dense object (like a glowing solid or filament) — shows all colors
without gaps.
[Link] Spectrum:
Produced by a hot, low-density gas — shows bright lines at specific wavelengths on a
dark background.
[Link] Spectrum:
Produced when light passes through a cooler gas — shows dark lines where specific
wavelengths are absorbed.
 Bohr’s atomic model
⮚ Thomson’s atomic model and Rutherford’s atomic model failed to answer any questions related to
the energy of an atom and its stability.

⮚ In the year 1913, Niels Bohr proposed an atomic structure model, describing an atom as a small,
positively charged nucleus surrounded by electrons that travel in circular orbits around the
positively charged nucleus as planets around the sun in our solar system, with attraction provided
by electrostatic forces, popularly known as Bohr’s atomic model.

⮚ Bohr theory Applicable to modified Rutherford’s atomic model by explaining that electrons move
in fixed orbitals (shells) and not anywhere in between and he also explained that each orbit (shell)
has a fixed energy level.

⮚ Rutherford basically explained the nucleus of an atom and Bohr modified that model into
electrons and their energy levels.
 Postulates of Bohr’s atomic model
1. Stationary orbit
In an atom, electrons (negatively charged) revolve around the positively charged
nucleus in a in a fixed circular path or orbits or shells or energy level termed
“stationary orbit”.
 2. Quantization of angular momentum
Only those orbits are possible for which angular momentum of the electron is equal to the
integral multiple of h/2π.
Mathematically it can be expressed as

Where n = integer ( 1 , 2, 3, …… denotes no. of shell or orbit)

h = plank’s constant (6.624 × 10-27 erg-seconds)
m = mass of electron
v= velocity of electron
3. Quantization of energy.
The energy levels are represented by an integer (n=1, 2, 3…) known as the quantum number.
This range of quantum number starts from nucleus side with n=1 having the lowest energy level.
The orbits n=1, 2, 3, 4… are assigned as K, L, M, N…. shells and when an electron attains the
lowest energy level, it is said to be in the ground state.

When an electron revolves around the nucleus in a fixed orbit, the electrons neither emit or
nor absorbs the radiation, i.e. energy of an electron is quantized.
⮚ An electron emits or absorbs energy when it jumps from one orbit or energy level to another.

The energy absorbed or emitted is equal to the difference between the energies of the two energy
levels (E1, E2) and is determined by Plank’s equation.
ΔE = hv
Where, ΔE = E2-E1
ΔE = energy absorbed or emitted
h= Plank’s constant
v= frequency of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed
[Link] of atomic spectra.
The electrons in an atom move from a lower energy level to a higher energy level by gaining the
required energy and an electron moves from a higher energy level to lower energy level by losing
energy.
The released energy corresponds to the radiation of different wavelength.

(b
)
 Bohr’s atomic model (summary)

•Fixed Orbits:
Electrons move in set paths around the nucleus, not
randomly.
•Energy Levels:
Each orbit has a specific energy; closer orbits have
less energy.
•Stable Electrons:
Electrons don't lose energy while in these orbits.
•Jump Between Orbits:
Electrons absorb or release energy when they move
to a different orbit (higher or lower).
Comparison between Bohr’s Model and Rutherford’s Model of the atom

•Rutherford’s model suggested that electrons orbit the nucleus like planets orbit the sun.
•According to classical electromagnetism, accelerating charges emit radiation and lose
energy.
•Since electrons in orbit are constantly changing direction, they should be accelerating and
therefore radiate [Link] energy loss should cause the electrons to spiral into the
nucleus very quickly (on the order of 10^-12 seconds), making atoms unstable.
•But in reality, atoms are stable, so there had to be something missing from Rutherford’s
model.
Bohr’s insight was revolutionary: he proposed that electrons can only occupy certain
“allowed” orbits where they do not emit radiation — these are called stationary states.
Each orbit corresponds to a quantized energy level, meaning the electron’s energy is fixed
and doesn’t change as long as it stays in that orbit.
The Bohr model successfully explained the stability of atoms and could also predict the
spectral lines of hydrogen, which classical physics couldn’t.
Applications of Bohr’s Model of an Atom

1. Explains atomic stability

⮚ Shows why electrons don’t spiral into the nucleus.
2. Explains hydrogen spectrum
⮚ Accurately predicts spectral lines of hydrogen.
3. Calculates electron energy and velocity
⮚ Provides formulas to find energy and speed in each orbit.
4. Determines orbit radius
⮚ Allows calculation of the size of each electron orbit.
 Limitations of Bohr’s Model of an Atom
1. Works only for hydrogen-like atoms:
It accurately explains only the simplest atom (hydrogen) and ions with one electron, but
fails for multi-electron atoms.
2. Cannot explain fine spectral details:
It does not account for the splitting of spectral lines (fine structure) or the effect of
magnetic fields (Zeeman effect).
3. Electron behaves like a particle only:
The model treats electrons as particles in fixed orbits, ignoring their wave-like nature.
4. Violates Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle:
Assumes precise position and momentum of electrons, which quantum mechanics says is
impossible.
5. It could not explain the spectra obtained from larger atoms.
[Link] explanation for chemical bonding:
The model does not describe how atoms bond to form molecules.
Hydrogen spectra
 Hydrogen spectra

In case of hydrogen, electric discharge is passed through hydrogen gas taken

in a discharge tube.
The hydrogen molecules split into hydrogen atoms. The electrons in different
hydrogen atoms absorb different amounts of energy and are excited to different higher
energy levels.
Later on, these electrons return back to lower energy levels by emitting energy in the
form of radiation having characteristic wavelength.
In this way, atomic spectrum of hydrogen is produced having large number of lines.
On the basis of wavelength of radiation ,five series are obtained in case of hydrogen .
Different lines depending upon the difference in energies of the levels concerned
can be summarized in the form of series named after the scientists who have
discovered them.
• Lyman series from n = 2, 3, 4, 5……to n = 1
• Balmer series from n = 3, 4, 5, 6……to n = 2
• Paschen series from n = 4, 5, 6, 7……to n = 3
• Brackett series from n = 5, 6, 7, 8……to n = 4
• P-fund series from n = 6, 7, 8, 9……to n = 5.
•
•
•
Bohr-Sommerfeld atomic model (Modification of Bohr’s
atomic model)
● Introduces the concept of subshell (sub energy level)

Quantum Mechanical Model of an Atom

[Link] Broglie wave equation

[Link] uncertainty principle
[Link] wave equation
 # Quantum Mechanical Model Of Atom

A. The de Broglie concept

⮚ In 1924, the French physicist, Louis de Broglie suggested that if light has
electron, behaves both as a material particle and as a wave.
⮚ This presented a new wave mechanical theory of matter. According to
this theory, small particles like electrons when in motion possess wave
properties.
⮚ According to de-Broglie , the wavelength associated with a particle of
mass m, moving with velocity v is given by the relation λ = h/mv where h
= Planck’s constant.
⮚ This was a groundbreaking idea in quantum mechanics, suggesting that
all matter exhibits both particle and wave characteristics, a concept
known as wave-particle duality.
• This can be derived as follows according to Planck’s

E = hv = h c/λ ∴ v = c/λ (energy of photon)

equation,

• on the basis of Einstein’s mass energy relationship)

E = mc2
Equating both,
hc/λ = mc2
or λ = h/mc

relation. (∴ mv = p)
or λ = h/mv which is same as de-Broglie

The de-Broglie equation is applicable to all material objects

but it has significance only in case of microscopic particles.
• This equation suggests that the wavelength of a particle is inversely
proportional to its momentum.
• For large objects (e.g., a baseball), the wavelength is so small that wave-like
properties are not noticeable.
• For tiny particles (e.g., electrons), the wavelength can be significant, and
wave-like behavior becomes observable, such as in the electron microscope.
• The de Broglie hypothesis was confirmed experimentally through the
electron diffraction experiment, where electrons showed wave-like
behavior when passing through a crystal lattice.
Significance of de Broglie equation
● The de-Broglie equation shows the relation between particle character and wave
character of matter.

● The de-Broglie wave equation is applicable for all matter, however, it is more
significant for subatomic particles such as electron. In case of macroscopic
objects, the wave nature is not significant.
(a) For a large mass
Let us consider a stone of mass 2.0 kg moving with a velocity of 100 cm/sec.
Use the de-Broglie’s wavelength as given as:

This value is too small to be measured by any instrument and hence is not
significant.
b) For a small mass
Let’s now consider an electron in a hydrogen atom. It has a mass = 9.1091 × 10 ⁻³¹ kg and moves
with a velocity = 2.18 × 10⁶ cm/sec.
The de Broglie’s wavelength is given as:

This value is quite reasonable, comparable to the wavelength of X-rays and hence detectable. It
helps to deduce the properties of waves of particles and to show that everything in nature exhibits
a wave character.
It also helps to deduce the Bohr's condition for quantization of angular momentum in atomic
processes. i.e., mvr=nh/2π​
 Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
• The exact and simultaneous determination of position and momentum of
a moving microscopic particle is impossible at same time.
• If Δx and Δp are uncertainties in position and momentum respectively,
then
Δx. Δp ≥ h/4π
or, Δx. m Δv ≥ h/4π
or, Δx. Δv ≥ h/4πm
• If Δx is large, Δp is small, and vice versa. This means that certainty in the
measurement of one parameter leads to the uncertainty in the
measurement of other.
• Hence, uncertainty principle suggests that in an atom, an electron does
not always remain at a fixed distance from the nucleus.

• It keep moving in whole space around the nucleus, but tends to remain
most of the time within a small volume around the nucleus, where the
probability of locating electron is maximum.

• The probability concept gave an idea of atomic orbitals, which provide

wider space around the nucleus for the movement of electrons.
 Schrödinger Wave Equation

The Schrödinger wave equation is a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics

that describes the behavior of matter waves, such as electrons in atoms.
It provides a mathematical framework for understanding the wave-particle duality
of matter.
 SHAPE OF ORBITAL
The shape of the orbital depends on the type of orbital:
s orbital: This is the simplest type. Its shape is a perfect sphere ⚪️. It can hold up to 2
electrons.
p orbital: This one is shaped like a dumbbell.
It has two lobes on opposite sides of the [Link] are three p orbitals in each energy
level, each pointing in a different direction.
d orbital: These orbitals have more complex shapes, usually looking like a cloverleaf 🍀
There are five different d orbitals in each energy level.
f orbital: These are the most complicated orbitals, with many lobes and very intricate
shapesThere are seven f orbitals in each energy level.
SHAPE OF p-orbitals
SHAPE OF p-orbitals
SHAPE OF d-orbitals
SHAPE OF d-orbitals
Out of the five d-orbitals (dxy, dxz, dyz, and dx²-y²) have a
cloverleaf or double-dumbbell shape, with their electron density
lobes lying along the axes or between the axes of the x, y, and z
planes.
The fifth d-orbital, dz², has a unique dumbbell and doughnut (torus)
shape, with its lobes along the z-axis and a doughnut-shaped ring in
the xy-plane.
 Quantum Numbers
❖An atom possess a large no. of orbits and thus there is possibility of large
no. of orbitals.
❖These orbitals differ in size, shape, and orientation in space around nucleus.
❖Each electron is quantized in an atom i.e. an electrons in an atom can have
only certain permissible values of energy and angular momentum.
❖Quantum numbers are identification number of an electrons in an atom
through various aspects like its orbit, orbitals, orientation and mode of
movements etc.
❖Quantum numbers are the set of four numbers that give complete
information about the electron (size, shape, energy level, orientation of
orbitals, spin of electrons).
 • There are four types of quantum numbers:
I. Principal quantum number (n)
II. Azimuthal quantum number (l)
III. Magnetic quantum number (m)
IV. Spin quantum number (s)

I. The principal quantum number (n) describes the main energy

level or shell or orbit of an atom to which electron belongs.
It is denoted by n indicating shell number starting from 1 to ∞.
The electron holding capacity of these shell can be calculated by 2n 2
rule.
• Orbitals for which n = 2 are larger than those for which n = 1, because
they have opposite electrical charges, electrons are attracted to the
nucleus of the atom.
• Energy must therefore be absorbed to excite an electron from an orbital
in which the electron is close to the nucleus (n = 1) into an orbital in
which it is further from the nucleus (n = 2). Let energies of 1,2,3,4,5
orbits be E1, E2, E3, E4, E5
• The energy order can be E1 < E2 < E3 < E4 < E5
The azimuthal or angular quantum number (l) describes the shape of the
orbital.
Orbitals have shapes that are best described as spherical (l = 0), polar (l = 1), or
cloverleaf (l = 2). They can even take on more complex shapes as the value of
the angular quantum number becomes larger.
It can have only positive integral value from 0 to (n-1), where n is principal
quantum no.
The spectroscopic terms sharp, principal, diffused and fundamental are
abbreviated as s, p,d and f respectively.
• magnetic quantum number (m),is used to describe the orientation in space
of a particular orbital.
• It is called the magnetic quantum number because the effect of different
orientations of orbitals was first observed in the presence of a magnetic field.
• It is denoted by m and can have all integral value from –l to + l including 0.
• + or – sign indicates one orientation and may hold a maximum of two
electron.
Spin quantum number (s)
• Electrons behave as if they were spinning in either a clockwise(↑) or
anticlockwise (↓) fashion.
• One of the electrons in an orbital is arbitrarily assigned an s quantum
number of +1/2, the other is assigned an s quantum number of -1/2.
• Thus, it takes three quantum numbers to define an orbital but four quantum
numbers to identify one of the electrons that can occupy the orbital.
● Values of s
s = +½ (for clockwise spin of electron)
denoted by upward arrow
s = -½ (for anticlockwise spin of electron)
denoted by downward arrow
Questions
1. What is the dual nature of electrons?
2. What is de Broglie’s wave equation? Write its limitations.
3. What is the Heisenberg uncertainty principle? Write its limitations.
4. Why does Bohr's atomic model appear to be defective in the light of
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle?
5. Why does not an electron jump into the nucleus?
6. What is an atomic orbital? What are the shapes of s, p, d and f orbitals?
7. Draw a figure of s, p and d orbitals
8. Differentiate between ‘orbit’ and ‘orbital’.
9. What is a quantum number? Write the names of quantum numbers.
[Link] do you mean by Principal quantum number?
[Link] short note on Quantum Numbers. (4 marks)
Questions
1. What are the values of principal quantum number (n) and azimuthal quantum number (l)
of the following orbitals (a) 3s (b) 4p (2 marks)
2. An electron of an atom possesses the quantum numbers n = 2, l = 0 and m = 0. What do
they mean? (2 marks)
3. What are the values for n, l and m of 2Px orbital? (2 marks)
4. For K-shell (n = 1), write all possible values of l and m?
5. For n = 2, write all possible values of l and m?
6. For n = 4, write all possible values of l and m? (2 marks)
7. Write all possible values of m for s-subshell, p-subshell, d-subshell and f-subshell.
8. Name the orbital having n=2, l=1, m=-1.
9. Why is the following set of quantum numbers invalid?
10.n=3, l=2, m=-3, s=+½.
[Link] of the following sets of quantum numbers is incorrect? Explain.
a) n=4, l=3, m=4, s=-½
b) n=2, l=1, m=0, s=-½
Electronic configuration
The electron configuration of an atom is the representation of the arrangement of
electrons distributed among the orbital shells and sub-shells.

Filling of electrons in atomic orbitals in the ground state of an atom is guided by

the following principles/rules
1. Aufbau (Building up) principle and (n + l) rule
2. Pauli’s exclusion principle
3. Hund’s rule of maximum multiplicity
AUFBAU PRINCIPLE: also known as 'The rule of filling electrons
in different orbitals' or (n+l) rule

• Statement: Electrons are filled in different orbitals on the basis of their energy.
• So according to this principle, orbital with lower energy fills first followed by
orbital with higher energy. The energy of orbital depends on principal
quantum number(n) and azimuthal quantum number(l). Thus this
principle is also called (n+l) rule.
• RULES: 1)The orbital with lower value of (n+l) is filled first.
I.e. 3s is filled before 3p (since n+l value for 3s is 3+0=3 and 3p is 3+1=4 and
3<4.
2)If more than one orbital has the same value of (n+l), the orbital with
lower value of n is filled first ,i.e.2p fills before 3s.
• This principle can be formulated in the form of sequence as shown
below:
• The order of filling is:
• 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s,--------- so on.
EXCEPTIONAL CASES:
• Cr(24), Cu(29) donot follow Aufbau principle.
• 24Cr = 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1 3d5

• 29Cu = 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1 3d10

Question:
1. What are the basic principles that guide the arrangement of electrons in atomic
orbitals in a systematic order?
2. What is the Aufbau principle?
3. What is the (n+l) rule?
4. 2p orbital is filled up before 3s. Why?
5. 4s orbital is filled up before 3d orbital. Why?
6. Which of the following orbital is filled up first? Give a reason.
a.1s or 2s
b.5s or 4d
c.3d or 6s
d.2p or 3s
e.3d or 4s
7. Arrange the following orbitals in their increasing order of energy with reason.
3d, 1s, 2p, 2s, 4s, 3s, 3p, 5s, 4p, 4d, 5p
Pauli's Exclusion principle:
• STATEMENT: 'No any two electrons of an atom can have the identical
value of all four quantum numbers'.
Conclusions:
1) Each orbital can hold the maximum of two electrons with opposite spin.
2)The maximum number of electrons present in an orbit is equal to
twice the number of orbitals present in the orbit. So from table below
max. no. of electrons in n'th orbit = 2×[Link] orbitals = 2n2

orbit Number of orbitals

1 1(s)
2 4(s,p)
3 9(s,p,d)
4 16(s,p,d,f)
-
-
n n2
Questions
1. State and explain Pauli’s exclusion principle.
2. First (K) shell of an atom can not accommodate more than two
electrons. Justify the statement in the light of Pauli’s exclusion
principle.
3. Second (L) shell of an atom can not accommodate more than
eight electrons. Justify the statement in the light of Pauli’s
exclusion principle.
HUND'S RULE OF MAXIMUM MULTIPLICITY:
● Hund’s rule of maximum multiplicity- “In the orbital of the same subshell (degenerate
orbitals), electrons are filled singly first, then pairing of electrons starts up”.
or
When more than one orbitals having equal energy(degenerate orbitals) are available,
then electrons will occupy these orbitals singly first with parallel spin, then pairing
starts.
● Degenerate orbitals- orbitals having the same energy levels eg. 2p x, 2py and 2pz are
degenerate orbitals
1. State and explain Hund’s rule of maximum multiplicity. (1+4=5
marks)
Or
2. Define Hund’s rule of maximum multiplicity. Why is it called so?
Illustrate the Hund’s rule with reference to electronic configuration
of Nitrogen.
[Link] do you mean by degenerate orbitals? Give an example.
[Link] orbital box diagram and electronic configuration of elements
from H to Zn.
• ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATION OF an atom or ion is guided
jointly by these three principles.
• The half- filled d- orbital and full- filled d-orbitals are more stable than other
states of electronic configuration, This is due to more symmetrical distribution
of electron in half and fulfilled orbital causes less electronic repulsion. Hence
lower the energy, greater will be stability, so exchange of position by electron in
half and fulfilled orbitals which lowers the energy of system and increase the
stability.
In order to write electronic configuration of ions, first write down the electronic
configuration of atom from which ion is formed.
►Then remove the electrons from the outer most shell.
Electronic configuration of some ions
Questions
1. An atom has 2 electrons in K-shell, 8 electrons in L-shell, 8 electrons in M-shell and 1 electron in N-
shell. Write its electronic configuration and calculate the total numbers of p-electrons. (2 marks)
2. A scientist investigating the electron structure of the element concluded that the K, L and M shells
were all full and the N shell contained four electrons. What is the atomic number of that element?
Write its electronic configuration. (2 marks)
3. An atom has 2 electrons in K-shell, 8 electrons in L-shell and 2 electrons in M-shell. If so, find out
the following:
[Link] number of electrons in the atom.
[Link] number.
[Link] the element.
[Link] configuration of the atom.
[Link] number of principal quantum numbers.
[Link] of shells in the atom.
[Link] of s-subshells and p-subshells.
[Link] number of subshells.
[Link] number of s-electrons.
[Link] number of p-electrons.
[Link] of s-orbitals and p-orbit
Questions

1. Give the values of all four quantum numbers of the 11th electron of the magnesium atom.
(2 marks)
2. Write down all four quantum numbers for the outermost electron of the sodium atom. (2
marks)
3. Identify the four quantum numbers of the 19th electron of an element having atomic
number 24.
4. An atom of an element has 24 electrons, what is the total number of s-electrons. (2 marks)
5. Write the atomic number of elements whose outermost electronic configuration are
represented by (a) 3s1 (b) 3p6. (2 marks)
6. Write the name of any two elements which do not obey Aufbau principle. Also write the
electronic configurations of those elements.
7. Write the ground state electronic configuration of Cu (Z=29) and Cr (Z=24) in terms of s, p
and d orbitals. (2 marks)
8. Write the electronic configuration of
i. (a) Fe++ (b) Fe+++ (c) Fe in ferric hydroxide (d) Cu+ (e) Cu++ (f) Sc3+ (g) Zn2+.