Answer to Question #226743 in Atomic and Nuclear Physics for Mis

Question

How many number of electron shells are in the Mc-288? Given that its atomic number and neutron number are 115 and 174, respectively.

Answer 1

In a neutral atom, the total number of electrons is equal to the atomic number, hence there are 115 electrons. In general, there can be up to 2n² electrons on the n^th shell. Therefore,

2n² = 115. Solving for n, n = 7.6, hence there are total of 7 shells.

This can also be deducted from the periodic table as the number of shells matches the number of period, and Mc is in period 7. Neutron number in no way affects the number of electron shells.

Answer: 7