Final Answer:
a) Electron configuration (EC) for Germanium (Ge): 2, 8, 18, 4
b) Orbital diagram cannot be represented in text format due to its graphical nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electron configuration for Germanium (Ge) indicates the distribution of electrons in its orbitals. Germanium has an atomic number of 32, meaning it has 32 electrons. The electron configuration for Ge, as given (2, 8, 18, 4), represents the distribution of these electrons among the energy levels and orbitals.
The first number (2) represents the electron configuration in the first energy level, which can hold a maximum of 2 electrons. The second number (8) denotes the electron configuration in the second energy level, which accommodates up to 8 electrons. The third number (18) signifies the electron configuration in the third energy level, capable of holding a maximum of 18 electrons. Lastly, the fourth number (4) indicates the electron configuration in the fourth energy level, which can hold up to 4 electrons.
However, drawing an orbital diagram in text format is not feasible due to its graphical nature. An orbital diagram illustrates the arrangement of electrons in specific orbitals within each energy level using arrows to represent electrons' spin and direction. Each sublevel (s, p, d, f) within an energy level accommodates a different number of electrons and has its own characteristic shape.
Germanium, being in the fourth period of the periodic table, follows the electron filling pattern in accordance with the Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle, and Hund's rule. These principles guide the sequential filling of orbitals in order of increasing energy levels and sublevels, leading to the electron configuration provided for Germanium.