Question

How many orbiting electrons does the germanium atom have?
A. 6
B. 16
C. 32
D. 8

Answer 1

Hint: The above problem can be resolved using the concept of the atomic configuration and electronic distribution in an atom. The atomic number of an atom gives a direct hint that it possesses the same number of electrons to orbit around the energy shell, as the atomic number of the atom.

Complete step by step answer:
According to the modern periodic table, the germanium is the member of the carbon family represented using the symbol Ge. The carbon family is abbreviated as the group number 14 in the modern periodic table. Besides, germanium is the fourth-period element with the atomic number of 32.
And the Atomic number signified that the same number of electrons are revolving in the atom in various orbits.
This means that germanium carries 32 electrons that are orbiting around the various atomics shells, as given below.
2 electrons in the k shell.
8 electrons in the L shell.
18 electrons in M shell
4 electrons in the N shell.
Therefore, the number of electrons orbiting in the germanium atom is 32, and option C is correct.

Note:To resolve the given problem, one must try to go through the atomic number of the elements. Moreover, to predict the number of electrons, the idea of the group's name that the particular atom belongs to is to be noted. Moreover, the atomic number is similar in numerical form, giving the detail regarding the number of electrons possessed by an atom of a specific group.