Identify the set of four quantum numbers that could represent the electron lost to form the K ION from the K atom. A)n = 3,l = 1,m_l = 1,m_s = - $\frac{1}{2}$ B)n = 4,l = 1,m_l = 1,m_s = + $\frac{1}{2}$ C)n = 4,l = 4,m_l = 0,m_s = - $\frac{1}{2}$ D)n = 4,l = 0,m_l = 0,m_s = + $\frac{1}{2}$ E)n = 3,l = 0,m_l = 1,m_s = + $\frac{1}{2}$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To form a cation, an electron must be removed from the atom. The electron with the highest energy will be the first to be removed. In the case of potassium, the electron in the 4th energy level and the s sublevel has the highest energy.
Thus, n=4 and l=0. The values of ms and ml are not directly related to the energy of the electron and can have any value as long as they follow the rules of quantum mechanics. Therefore, the correct set of quantum numbers is n=4,l=0,ms=+1/2, and ml=0. Choice D is the only set of quantum numbers that matches these values.

Identify the Set of Four Quantum Numbers That Could Represent 12\frac{1}{2}21​

Identify the Set of Four Quantum Numbers That Could Represent $\frac{1}{2}$