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Grade 12Physical Chemistry

On the basis of quantum numbers, justify that the sixth period of the periodic table should have 32 elements.

Profile image of sudhanshu
12 Years agoGrade 12
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1 Answer

Profile image of Gaurav
11 Years ago
In the periodic table each period begins with the filling of principal quantum number (n). The value ofnfor the sixth period is 6. Forn= 6, azimuthal quantum number (l) can have values of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4.
In the 6thperiod, electrons can be filled in only 6s, 4f, 5d,and 6psubshells. Now, 6shas one orbital, 4fhas seven orbitals, 5dhas five orbitals, and 6phas three orbitals. Therefore, there are a total of sixteen (1 + 7 + 5 + 3 = 16) orbitals available. According to Pauli’s exclusion principle, each orbital can accommodate a maximum of 2 electrons. Thus, 16 orbitals can accommodate a maximum of 32 electrons.
Hence, the sixth period of the periodic table should have 32 elements.