Which electron on an atom of palladium would have the highest value of W in the Boltzmann formula?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Boltzmann formula for calculating the probability of an electron in a specific energy level is e^(-E/kT), where E is the energy of the level, k is the Boltzmann constant, and T is the temperature. The energy of the energy-level is determined by the principal quantum number, n, and the orbital quantum number, l. For Pd, the electron configuration is [Kr] 4d^8 5s^2, so the valence electrons are in the 4d and 5s orbitals. 
Comparing the energy levels of the orbitals, the electrons in the 4d orbitals have a higher energy level compared to those in the 5s orbital, making them more likely to ionize. Therefore, the electron in the 4d orbital (highest l value) would have the highest value of W in the Boltzmann formula. Hence the correct answer is B.

Which Electron on an Atom of Palladium Would Have the Highest