Question

Determine the identity of the element that contains exactly

a) two 4p electrons in the ground state

b) one 3s electron in the ground state

c) three 5p electrons in the ground state

Answer 1

a)

Since the valence shell is 4p, the element belongs to 4th period

There are 2 electrons in 4p orbital, this is 2nd group of p block.

the element is: Germanium

b)

Since the valence shell is 3s, the element belongs to 3rd period

There is 1 electron in 3s orbital, this is 1st group of s block.

the element is: Sodium

c)

Since the valence shell is 5p, the element belongs to 5th period

There are 3 electrons in 5p orbital, this is 3rd group of p block.

the element is: Antimony