Chapter 17, Problem 28A

To determine

The numbers of electron shells in the hydrogen atom, the lithium atom, and the aluminum atom.

Answer to Problem 28A

The numbers of electron shells in the hydrogen atom is one.

The numbers of electron shells in the lithium atom is two.

The numbers of electron shells in the aluminum atom is three.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

In an atom, the electrons are in spherical shells and orbit around the nucleus.

The electrons arrangement in the shells orbiting around the atomic nucleus determines the atom’s chemical properties.

The first shell (K) can have a maximum of 2 electrons. The second shell L can have a maximum of 8 electrons and the third shell (M) can have a maximum of 18 electrons.

In a hydrogen atom, the number of electrons is one. This means that one electron in one shell.

Hence, the number of electron shells that are there in the hydrogen atom is one.

In a lithium atom, the numbers of electrons are three. This means that three electrons in two shells.

Hence, the numbers of electron shells in the lithium atom is two.

In an aluminum atom, the numbers of electrons are thirteen. This means that thirteen electrons in three shells.

Hence, the numbers of electron shells in the aluminum atom is three.

Conclusion:

Thus, the numbers of electron shells in the hydrogen atom is one.

Thus, the numbers of electron shells in the lithium atom is two.

Thus, the numbers of electron shells in the aluminum atom is three.