SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the electron configuration of silver, specifically addressing why the lone electron in silver has zero orbital angular momentum. Silver has 47 electrons, with 46 forming a closed inner core that results in a total angular momentum of zero due to paired spins. The remaining electron, located in the 5s orbital, also exhibits zero orbital angular momentum because it is in the ground state. The complete electron configuration for silver is Kr 4d10 5s1, where the filled 4d shell contributes no angular momentum.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of atomic structure and electron configuration
- Familiarity with quantum mechanics principles, particularly angular momentum
- Knowledge of electron shells and subshells (s, p, d orbitals)
- Basic grasp of the periodic table and element properties
NEXT STEPS
- Research the principles of angular momentum in quantum mechanics
- Study the electron configurations of transition metals
- Explore the significance of ground state vs. excited state in atomic physics
- Learn about the magnetic properties of elements based on electron configurations
USEFUL FOR
Students of chemistry and physics, educators teaching atomic structure, and researchers interested in the properties of transition metals and their electron configurations.