Final Answer:
The highest filled sublevel for germanium is the 4d sublevel.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the highest filled sublevel for germanium, it's essential to examine its electron configuration. Germanium has an atomic number of Z = 32. Its electron configuration can be broken down using the Aufbau principle, which dictates how electrons fill orbitals in an atom. Following the order of filling sublevels based on energy, the electron configuration of germanium is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶.
Analyzing this configuration reveals that the highest filled principal quantum number (n) is 4, indicating that the electrons fill up to the fourth energy level. Within this energy level, the highest filled sublevel is the 4d sublevel. The 4d sublevel contains its maximum capacity of 10 electrons, with the configuration of 3d¹⁰. Therefore, in the case of germanium, the 4d sublevel is the highest filled before considering further levels or sublevels.
This information about the highest filled sublevel in germanium is crucial in understanding its chemical behavior and reactivity. It also aids in predicting its position in the periodic table and its interactions with other elements. Understanding the electronic configuration and the highest filled sublevel allows scientists and chemists to predict germanium's chemical properties and its potential applications in various technological fields.