Draw an MO energy-level diagram that shows the population of the 4s band for potassium metal.

Key Concepts

Molecular Orbital Theory

Molecular Orbital (MO) Theory describes the behavior of electrons in molecules, where atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals that can be occupied by electrons. This theory helps explain the bonding and properties of molecules, including the energy levels of electrons. In the context of potassium metal, understanding how the 4s orbital is populated is crucial for visualizing its electronic structure.

Energy Level Diagrams

Energy level diagrams are graphical representations that illustrate the relative energy levels of atomic or molecular orbitals. These diagrams help visualize how electrons fill these orbitals according to the Aufbau principle, Hund's rule, and the Pauli exclusion principle. For potassium, the diagram will show the 4s orbital and its energy relative to other orbitals, indicating how many electrons occupy it.

Electron Configuration

Electron configuration refers to the distribution of electrons among the various orbitals of an atom. For potassium (K), which has an atomic number of 19, the electron configuration is [Ar] 4s¹, indicating that there is one electron in the 4s orbital. This configuration is essential for understanding the chemical properties of potassium and how it interacts with other elements.