Question

What are the total number of orbitals and electrons for m = 0, if there are 30 protons in an atom?

• A. 6 orbitals , 12 electrons
• B. 5 orbitals , 10 electrons
• C. 7 orbitals , 14 electrons
• D. 4 orbitals , 8 electrons

Answer 1

The correct option is C 7 orbitals , 14 electrons

30 protons corresponds to atomic number 30 and 30 electrons. It is atomic number of Zn. Its electronic configuration is $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}4s^{2}3d^{10}$.

Out of this, the electrons and orbitals with $m=0$ are $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p_x^{2}3s^{2}3p_x^{2}4s^{2}3d^2$.

Total number of such electrons $=2+2+2+2+2+2+2=14$.

Thus, there are 7 orbitals and 14 electrons from m = 0, if there are 30 protons in an atom.