Question

The electronic configuration of potassium is 2,8,8,1.why does the last electron of potassium go to the fourth shell instead of occupying the third shell,even though the third shell has the capacity to accommodate ten more electrons.

Answer 1

Heya!!

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According to Octet rule ;

Last shell of atom haven't more than 8 electrons.

It causes we configure potassium in such way.

Hope it helps u :)

Answer 2

Outermost shell of an atom can have electrons >=8 ,even if they more capacity than that . So, the last electron in potassium atom goes to 4th shell