Question

1a.Consider a neutral carbon atom that has six electrons orbiting the nucleus. Suppose that five of the electrons are in their lowest states, but the sixth is in a very high state. Why might the energy levels for the outermost electron be similar to those for the single electron in hydrogen. (Hint: think of what is exerting an electrical force on the outermost electron)

1b.

- Arrange the standard spectral sequence - O, B, A, F, G, K, M - in order of decreasing Ha strength

1c. a) How many times more abundant is Helium than sodium

b) In general what can be said of the abundances of elements heavier than iron.

c) Calculate the ratio of iron to Uranium, iron to carbon and iron to iodine.

d) Do your values in C support what you said in B. Yes or no. Why?

1d. What do expect the formula for the combination of Potassium (K) and sulfur (S) to be ? Also the formula for Lithium(Li) to Fluoride(F)?

Answer 1

1a) The outermost electron is so far away that even if the total attractive force of the protons to a single electron will be greater. On the outermost electrons this is possible force on the outermost electron. Practically speaking the attraction force experienced by the outermost electron from the lowest state electrons is negligible. That is the reason why we can compare to those for the single electron in hydrogen
1b) Spectral sequence in the decreasing order of H_α,
O,B,A,F,G,K,M
1c) a) 90% of Hydrogen ,10 % helium is present in stars and the rest is 10% is heavy elements (all compounds including sodium)
b) It is believed that the heavy elements can be created by the fusion of light elements at the centers of stars. Elements heavier than the iron had formed by ejecting material from their interiors into the medium and enriched it with helium and heavy elements. (Radioactive elements)