Write the shorthand notation and the orbital diagram electron configuration

representation for each of the following elements and indicate the orbital(s) which contain
valence electrons: (a) N, (b) K, (c) Cu, (d) Al.

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To determine the shorthand notation and the orbital diagram electron configuration representation for each of the given elements and identify the orbitals containing valence electrons, we need to know the atomic number of each element.

(a) N (Nitrogen):
The atomic number of Nitrogen is 7.
Shorthand notation: [He] 2s^2 2p^3.
Orbital diagram electron configuration representation:

↑ ( ↑ ↑ )

1s 2s 2p
↑ ↑ ↑ ↑

The valence electrons of Nitrogen are found in the 2s and 2p orbitals, specifically the 2p^3 orbital.

(b) K (Potassium):
The atomic number of Potassium is 19.
Shorthand notation: [Ar] 4s^1.
Orbital diagram electron configuration representation:

↑ ( ↑ )

1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 4s
↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑

The valence electron of Potassium is found in the 4s orbital.

(c) Cu (Copper):
The atomic number of Copper is 29.
Shorthand notation: [Ar] 3d^10 4s^1.
Orbital diagram electron configuration representation:

↑ ( ↑ )

1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 4s 3d
↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑

The valence electron of Copper is found in the 4s orbital.

(d) Al (Aluminum):
The atomic number of Aluminum is 13.
Shorthand notation: [Ne] 3s^2 3p^1.
Orbital diagram electron configuration representation:

↑ ( ↑ )

1s 2s 2p 3s 3p
↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑

The valence electron of Aluminum is found in the 3p orbital.

Note: In general, the valence electrons are the electrons found in the outermost energy level (highest n value) or the partially filled d or f orbitals.