Q. If in nature there may not be an element for which the principle quantum number $n > 4,$ then the total possible number of elements will be
A) 60
B) 32
C) 4
D) 64
Explanation
(a) For $n = 1$, maximum number of states $= 2n^{2} = 2$ and for $n = 2,\ 3,\ 4$, maximum number of states would be 8, 18, 32 respectively, Hence number of possible elements
$= 2 + 8 + 18 + 32 = 60$
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.