The principal quantum number of the electrons that are lost when tungsten forms a cation is ?
Tungsten is a transition metal.
To determine the principal quantum number of the electrons that are lost when tungsten forms a cation, we need to understand the electronic configuration of tungsten in its neutral state and the process of cation formation.
Tungsten (W) has an atomic number of 74, which means it has 74 electrons. Its electron configuration can be written as 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d⁴.
In order to form a cation, an atom needs to lose electrons. Transition metals, like tungsten, tend to lose electrons from the highest energy levels first. In this case, tungsten can form different cations by losing electrons from its 5d and 6s orbitals.
The principal quantum number corresponds to the energy level in which the electrons are located. In the case of tungsten, the highest energy level is the 6th energy level, which is represented by the principal quantum number (n) of 6.
Therefore, the principal quantum number of the electrons that are lost when tungsten forms a cation would be 6.