Question

The four quantum numbers for the electron in the outer most orbital of potassium (atomic no. 19) are

• A. \( n = 4, \, l = 2, \, m = -1, \, s = +\frac{1}{2} \)
• B. \( n = 4, \, l = 0, \, m = 0, \, s = +\frac{1}{2} \)
• C. \( n = 3, \, l = 0, \, m = 1, \, s = +\frac{1}{2} \)
• D. \( n = 2, \, l = 0, \, m = 0, \, s = +\frac{1}{2} \)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The electron configuration for potassium (\( \text{K} \), atomic number 19) is:

\(\text{K} : 1s^2, 2s^2, 2p^6, 3s^2, 3p^6, 4s^1.\)

The outermost orbital is the \( 4s \) orbital. The quantum numbers for the outermost electron are:

\( n = 4, \, l = 0, \, m = 0, \, s = +\frac{1}{2}. \)