Chapter 5, Problem 7STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The configuration of the highest occupied energy level for the germanium element needs to be identified.

Concept Introduction: The electronic configuration represents the arrangement of electrons in atomic orbitals. Here, s , p , d, and f are sublevels in which electrons are distributed. The maximum number of electrons in s , p , d, and f orbitals are 2, 6, 10, and 14.

Answer to Problem 7STP

The correct option is (B).

Explanation of Solution

Reason for correct option:

The given element is germanium. The atomic number of germanium is 32 thus, there are 32 electrons in a germanium atom. The increasing order of energy of sublevels is as follows:

  $s<p<d<f$

Thus, the filling of electrons takes place in the order s , p , d, and f .

The electronic configuration can be represented as follows:

  $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}4s^{2}3d^{10}4p^2$

This can be rewritten as follows:

  $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}3d^{10}4s^{2}4p^2$

Thus, the highest occupied energy level is $4s^{2}4p^2$ .

Therefore, option (B) is correct.

Conclusion

Reason for incorrect options:

The electronic configuration of germanium is as follows:

  $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}3d^{10}4s^{2}4p^2$

The increasing order of energy with respect to principal quantum number is as follows:

  $1<2<3<4$

Thus, the highest occupied energy level will be with principal quantum number 4. From the electronic configuration, there are 2 sublevels with this principal quantum number that is $s^2{p}^2$ .

Therefore, options (A), (C), (D), and (E) are incorrect options.