Question

Both Ti and Hf behave as though they possess the same number of valence electrons. Which of the subshells in the electron configuration of Hf behave as valence orbitals?.

Check all that apply.

A. 1s
B. 2s
C. 2p
D. 3s
E. 3p
F. 4s
G. 3d
H. 4p
I. 5s
J. 4d
K 5p
L. 6s
M. 4f
N. 5d

Answer 1

The valence orbitals of Hafnium (Hf) that are involved in chemical bonding and reactions are the 6s and 5d subshells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The valence orbitals of hafnium (Hf) are the outermost orbitals that are involved in chemical bonding and reactions. By understanding the concept that elements in the same group have similar valence shell electron configurations and by considering the periodic recurrence of these configurations, we can determine which subshells in Hafnium act as valence orbitals.

Hafnium (Hf) has the electron configuration of [Xe]4f²145d²6s². In this configuration, the 5d and 6s subshells contain the valence electrons for Hafnium, since these are the highest energy levels and the ones that participate in chemical bonding.

Therefore, the subshells that behave as valence orbitals for Hafnium are:

L. 6s

N. 5d

Subshells like 1s, 2s, 2p, etc., represent core electrons that are not typically involved in bonding for heavier elements like Hafnium.