Electronic Configuration

[752779]

Hello, I'm confused about "the higest quantum principal number" If an element loes electron and becomes a cation. The subshell with the "highest quantum princple number" empty first.
For example: Zn+2. In its neutral state it has 30 electrons, it loses 2 electrons, and the correct electronic configuration is 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3p6, 4s0, 3d10. Can someone explain how do I determine the higest quantum principle number?
Thanks

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[aldol16]

You should review principal quantum number. Principal quantum number denotes the "shell" the electron is in, e.g. n = 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. So zinc has electrons in the 4s shell and since 4 is the highest principal quantum number here, it loses its electrons first from the n = 4 shell, or 4s orbital.

 

[752779]

You should review principal quantum number. Principal quantum number denotes the "shell" the electron is in, e.g. n = 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. So zinc has electrons in the 4s shell and since 4 is the highest principal quantum number here, it loses its electrons first from the n = 4 shell, or 4s orbital.

Thank you kind sir.