Question

Which set of quantum numbers(n, l, ml, ms) could describe the highest-energy electron in a ground-state potassium ion, K?

a) (4, 1, -1, 1/2)

b) (4, 1, 0, 1/2)

c) (4, 0, 1, 1/2)

d) (4, 0, 0, 1/2)

e) (4, 1, 1, 1/2)

Answer 1

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1
So n = 4
l = 0 because it's an s electron
ml = 0 because l = 0
ms = 1/2