Which set of quantum numbers (n, l, ml, ms) is possible for the outermost electron of a Potassium (K) atom in its ground state?
4, 1, 0, +1/2
4, 0, 0, +1/2
3, 0, 0, +1/2
4, 2, 1, -1/2
📝 Detailed explanation
Potassium (Z=19) has the electron configuration [Ar] 4s¹. The outermost electron is in the 4s orbital. Therefore, n=4, l=0 (for s-orbitals), ml must be 0, and ms can be +1/2 or -1/2.
