How Many Protons for a 5g Orbital Electron Configuration?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the number of protons required for an atom to achieve a ground state electron configuration with one electron in a 5g orbital, which is established as 121 protons. The analysis utilizes the n+l rule, identifying that the 5g orbital has an l value of 4, resulting in a total of 9 when combined with its principal quantum number n=5. The participant confirms that the 5g orbital is filled after the 8s orbital, leading to the conclusion that the electron configuration for this atom includes all orbitals filled up to 8s, plus one additional electron for the 5g orbital.

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  • Understanding of quantum numbers and electron configurations
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  • Knowledge of the n+l rule for orbital filling
  • Basic concepts of atomic structure and neutrality
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Homework Statement



Using a strict interpretation of the n+l rule, how many protons would an atom need to create a ground state electron configuration with one electron in a 5g orbital? Give electron configuration.

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The Attempt at a Solution



g is an l value of 4, 4+5 = 9. So 5g is filled after other orbitals with n+l's lower than 9, or equal but with higher n values.

This puts 5g after 9s, does it not? I have no clue what to do from here.
 
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Atom is neutral - that means charge of electrons and charge of nucleus cancel out, they are identical (just one is positive, other negative).
 
The answer (which is given) is 121 protons. Since the atom is neutral, there'd also be 121 electron, so I'd look for an electron configuration where all orbitals before 5g + 1 = 121.

I don't know what 5g comes after though.
 
Okay, added up all electrons up to and including 8s and got 120. Adding one for 5g gives me 121.

I still don't understand why it has to be preceded by 8s though. Why not, say, 6d?
 

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