Question

for each of the following ground-state atoms, predict the type of orbital (1s, 2p, 3d, 4f, etc.) from which an electron will be removed to form the 1 1 ion: (a) zn; (b) cl; (c) al; (d) cu.

Answer 1

Answer: (a) 4s, (b) 3p, (c) 3p, (d) 4s

Step-by-step explanation:

The orbital from which an electron will be removed from will be the highest energy orbital in the valence shell. The valence shell for Zn and Cu is the 4th shell, and they only have electrons in the 4s orbitals, so removed electrons will come from their 4s orbital electrons. Cl and Al have the 3rd shell as their valence shell, and they both have electrons in 3p orbitals, which are the highest energy orbitals they have in the valence shell. Thus, removed electrons will come from their 3p orbital electrons.