Question

Electronic magic numbers of atoms are:
A. 2
B. 15
C. 10
D. 18
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. B, C and D only
• D. A, C and D only

Hint:

The electronic magic numbers for atoms are simply the atomic numbers of the noble gases found at the end of each row of the periodic table. Memorizing the first few (2, 10, 18, 36) is helpful for questions in atomic and chemical physics.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In physics, a "magic number" is a number of particles (protons, neutrons, or electrons) in a system that results in a complete shell, leading to exceptional stability. For "electronic magic numbers of atoms," this refers to the atomic numbers (Z) of elements that have completely filled electron shells. These are the noble gases.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The noble gases are elements that are chemically inert due to their stable, closed-shell electron configurations. Their atomic numbers represent the electronic magic numbers. Let's list the first few:

Helium (He): Z = 2
Neon (Ne): Z = 10
Argon (Ar): Z = 18
Krypton (Kr): Z = 36
Xenon (Xe): Z = 54
Now we can evaluate the given options:

A. 2: This is the atomic number of Helium. It is a magic number.
B. 15: This is the atomic number of Phosphorus. It does not correspond to a closed shell and is not a magic number.
C. 10: This is the atomic number of Neon. It is a magic number.
D. 18: This is the atomic number of Argon. It is a magic number.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct statements are A, C, and D. Therefore, the correct option is the one that includes only these three.