Shown below is a qualitative diagram of the atomic orbital energies for an Na atom. The number of orbitals in each subshell is not shown.

(a) Are all of the subshells for n = 1, n = 2, and n = 3 shown? If not, what is missing?

(b)The 2s and 2p energy levels are shown as different. Which of the following is the best explanation for why this is the case?

(i) The 2s and 2p energy levels have different energies in the hydrogen atom, so of course they will have different energies in the sodium atom

(ii) The energy of the 2p orbital is higher than that of the 2s in all many electron atoms.

(iii) The 2s level in Na has electrons in it, whereas the 2p does not.

(c) Which of the energy levels holds the highest-energy electron in a sodium atom?

(d) A sodium vapor lamp (Figure 7.23) operates by using electricity to excite the highest-energy electron to the next highest-energy level. Light is produced when the excited electron drops back to the lower level. Which two energy levels are involved in this process for the Na atom?

Transcribed Image Text:

– 3p -3s E - 2p 2s 1s