Final answer:
The correct set of quantum numbers for the last electron of molybdenum (Mo) is n = 4, l = 2, ml = -1, ms = +1/2, representing an electron in the 4d orbital aligning with Mo's electron configuration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question at hand involves the quantum numbers for an electron in the element molybdenum (Mo). Quantum numbers describe the properties of an atomic orbital and the electrons in that orbital. The principal quantum number (n) indicates the energy level, the angular momentum quantum number (l) defines the shape of the orbital, the magnetic quantum number (ml) describes the orientation of the orbital, and the spin quantum number (ms) specifies the electron's spin direction.
Let's evaluate each set of quantum numbers for the last electron of Mo:
- n = 4, l = 0, ml = 0, ms = +1/2: This represents an electron in the 4s orbital, which is possible, but Mo has a [Kr]4d55s1 configuration, so this is not the last electron.
- n = 5, l = 1, ml = 9, ms = -1/2: This is not possible because for l = 1, the allowed values of ml range from -1 to +1.
- n = 4, l = 2, ml = -1, ms = +1/2: This is a possible set, representing an electron in the 4d orbital, which is likely to be the last electron in Mo.
- n = 5, l = 2, ml = +2, ms = -1/2: This could be a valid set for an electron in a 5d orbital, but because Mo is not in the fifth energy level with its last electron, this is not the correct set.
- n = 3, l = 2, ml = 0, ms = +1/2: This set represents an electron in the 3d orbital, which is a lower energy level than Mo's last electron.
Considering these points, the correct set of quantum numbers for the distinguishing electron of molybdenum (Mo) would be n = 4, l = 2, ml = -1, ms = +1/2.