Which set of quantum numbers best describe a valence electron in Ge?

[FROGGBUSTER]

Destroyer GC #249.

a. 4,0,0,1/2
b. 4,1,1,1/2

I won't list the other choices, but I think it could be both a & b, whereas the solution lists only b as the choice

Ge has 4 valence electrons though correct? 2 in 4s and 2 in 4p, so either of these would work imo. If they were talking about which electron is most likely to be ionized, I would agree, but it only says "valence electron."

Can someone confirm if I'm correct?

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[yappy]

I'll take a crack at it.

Principal Q# = Shell (N-infinity)
Azmithul Q# = Subshell (N-1)
Magnetic Q# = orbital (neg azimithul to pos azimithul)
Spin Q# = +-1/2.

You are correct that the valance electrons for Ge are in the fourth shell. Therefore, n=4 is correct. Next we look at the subshell. Because Ge has electrons in the subshells s & p both azmithul numbers 0 (s) and 1 (p) work - Option B suggests that we're in the P subshell.

Now we look at the orbital or magnetic Q#. 1 is valid because this would suggest the first orbital in the P subshell. and the spin number can be 1/2 or -1/2.

Hope this helped.

Destroyer GC #249.

a. 4,0,0,1/2
b. 4,1,1,1/2

I won't list the other choices, but I think it could be both a & b, whereas the solution lists only b as the choice

Ge has 4 valence electrons though correct? 2 in 4s and 2 in 4p, so either of these would work imo. If they were talking about which electron is most likely to be ionized, I would agree, but it only says "valence electron."

Can someone confirm if I'm correct?

 

[mh0000]

A has a angular momentum value of 0. This corresponds to a S subshell, so A is not correct. B is certainly consistent with the electron configuration of Ge becuase n=4 and l=1. The magnetic and spin quantum numbers are ambiguous, and won't suggest much for this problem.

 

[FROGGBUSTER]

I'll take a crack at it.

Principal Q# = Shell (N-infinity)
Azmithul Q# = Subshell (N-1)
Magnetic Q# = orbital (neg azimithul to pos azimithul)
Spin Q# = +-1/2.

You are correct that the valance electrons for Ge are in the fourth shell. Therefore, n=4 is correct. Next we look at the subshell. Because Ge has electrons in the subshells s & p both azmithul numbers 0 (s) and 1 (p) work - Option B suggests that we're in the P subshell.

Now we look at the orbital or magnetic Q#. 1 is valid because this would suggest the first orbital in the P subshell. and the spin number can be 1/2 or -1/2.

Hope this helped.

So you're agreeing with me right? Thanks.

A has a angular momentum value of 0. This corresponds to a S subshell, so A is not correct. B is certainly consistent with the electron configuration of Ge becuase n=4 and l=1. The magnetic and spin quantum numbers are ambiguous, and won't suggest much for this problem.

But the 4s electrons are valence electrons as well in Ge, are they not?

 

[wenjie1988]

I think OP understands that B works, but wants to know if A is also another possible answer since the question is asking for the quantum number of the valence e- of Ge and there is valence e- in the 4s orbital: azimuthal can be 0 (s orbital).

 

[FROGGBUSTER]

I think OP understands that B works, but wants to know if A is also another possible answer since the question is asking for the quantum number of the valence e- of Ge and there is valence e- in the 4s orbital: azimuthal can be 0 (s orbital).

Yeah, I'm pretty sure both could work but wanted to confirm it with a couple of you guys.

 

[mh0000]

Oh, I see what you're asking. Yes, the 2s e- are valence, and thus A will describe those electrons. I would agree with frog's presumption that they meant the highest energy subshells. The qualifier phrase may be "best describes." In which the 4p electrons will be more reactive and more susceptible to be involved in a reaction than the 4s. Still sort of ambiguous though.

 

[FROGGBUSTER]

Alright thanks guys.