Question

Why is the electronic configuration of potassium (2,8,8,1) and why not (2,8,9)? The electron holding capacity of the M shell is 18 then why is the electronic configuration of potassium (2,8,8,1)? Tanks for answering!!!!

Answer 1

Here is your answer,

1.It is absolutely right that according to the 2n² method, the electron holding capacity of M shell is of 18 electrons.

2. Even though, it can hold electrons when they are actually 18 in numbers

For ex. The electronic configuration of Rubidium (Rb) is (2, 8,18, 8,1).

Hope that it'll help you