Question

Consider the ground state of an atom (Z = 24). How many electrons are arranged with Azimuthal quantum number $ l = 1 $ and $ l = 2 $ respectively?

• A. 12 and 4
• B. 16 and 4
• C. 12 and 5
• D. 12 and 5 and 6

Hint:

The number of electrons in orbitals depends on the quantum numbers, with the \( p \)-orbitals having a maximum of 6 electrons and \( d \)-orbitals having a maximum of 10.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

For \( Z = 24 \), the electron configuration is \( [Ar] 3d^6 4s^2 \). 
- \( l = 1 \) corresponds to the p-orbital, which can hold 6 electrons. 
- \( l = 2 \) corresponds to the d-orbital, which can hold 10 electrons. 
Thus, there are 12 electrons in the \( l = 1 \) shell and 5 electrons in the \( l = 2 \) shell. 
Therefore, the correct answer is (3).