Give the full set of quantum numbers for the electron lost when a Cs atom ionizes.
a. n = 6; l = 1; ml = –1; ms = +½
b. n = 5; l = 0; ml = +1; ms = –½
c. n = 5; l = 0; ml = 0; ms = –½
d. n = 6; l = 0; ml = 0; ms = +½
I am really am not sure but I think its b
Isn't Cesium in period 6?
To determine the full set of quantum numbers for the electron lost when a Cs (cesium) atom ionizes, we need to understand the quantum numbers and their meanings.
The primary quantum number (n) represents the principal energy level or shell of an electron. The allowed values for n are positive integers starting from 1.
The azimuthal quantum number (l) defines the shape of the electron's orbital and ranges from 0 to (n-1) for a given value of n. It determines the subshell or orbital type. The possible values of l are represented by letters: 0 corresponds to s, 1 corresponds to p, 2 corresponds to d, and so on.
The magnetic quantum number (ml) indicates the orientation of the electron's orbital within a given subshell. It can take any value between -l and +l, including zero.
The spin quantum number (ms) describes the spin of an electron and can either be +½ (spin-up) or -½ (spin-down).
Let's analyze the given options:
a. n = 6; l = 1; ml = –1; ms = +½
The values of n, l, ml, and ms are all within the allowed ranges, so it is a valid quantum number set.
b. n = 5; l = 0; ml = +1; ms = –½
Similarly, the values of n, l, ml, and ms in this option are also within the allowed ranges.
c. n = 5; l = 0; ml = 0; ms = –½
The values of n, l, ml, and ms are valid in this option as well.
d. n = 6; l = 0; ml = 0; ms = +½
Lastly, this option also provides valid values for n, l, ml, and ms.
To determine which option corresponds to the electron lost when a Cs atom ionizes, we need to consider the ionization process of cesium. Cesium has an atomic number of 55, meaning it has 55 electrons. During ionization, an electron is lost, resulting in a Cs+ ion with 54 electrons.
Since Cs has an atomic number of 55, its electron configuration is [Xe]6s^1. When ionized, one electron is removed from the 6s orbital, specifically the outermost electron with the highest principal quantum number (n).
Among the given options, option b satisfies these conditions, representing the electron lost when a Cs atom ionizes.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
b. n = 5; l = 0; ml = +1; ms = –½