Q. The four quantum numbers for the electron in the outermost orbital of potassium (atomic number 19) are:
(A) n = 3, l = 0, m = 1, s = +1/2
(B) n = 4, l = 0, m = 0, s = +1/2
(C) n = 2, l = 0, m = 0, s = +1/2
(D) n = 4, l = 2, m = −1, s = +1/2
Explanation
Electronic configuration of potassium (Z = 19):
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s¹
The outermost electron lies in 4s orbital.
Therefore: n = 4, l = 0, m = 0, s = +1/2