2s1
after the s orbital of the next highest energy level
Lithium atoms contain one unpaired electron. Two of the three total electrons in a lithium atom are paired in its lowest energy s orbital, which can contain only two.
I would think the s orbital, because it is closer to the nucleus, and because the outer energy level holds more energy than the inner ones.
The next highest energy electron orbital after 3p is the 4s orbital, after which comes the 3d and then 4p orbitals.
To determine this look at the periodic table. The larger the atom, the farther its valence electrons are from the nucleus. Therefore, potassium's valence electrons have the highest energy.
lithium
3p is the highest "occupied" orbital of an "unexcited" neutral Silicon atom.
after the s orbital of the next highest energy level
sigma 2p
Most likely lithium since it has a the highest ionization energy than the others.
after the s orbital of the next highest energy level
Lithium atoms contain one unpaired electron. Two of the three total electrons in a lithium atom are paired in its lowest energy s orbital, which can contain only two.
I would think the s orbital, because it is closer to the nucleus, and because the outer energy level holds more energy than the inner ones.
The relative energy of the s orbital is lower than that of the p, d, and f orbitals. In a multi-electron atom, the s orbital has a lower energy because it experiences a stronger attraction to the positive nucleus due to its spherical shape and higher electron density. Therefore, electrons are more likely to occupy the s orbital before filling higher-energy orbitals.
The element that has the highest second ionization energy is Li. When you remove the first electron from Li you are down to the 1s orbital. They are harder to remove because they are closest to the nucleus.
Ionization energy represents the energy required to remove electrons from an atom. The first and second ionization energies are relatively small because the lectrons must be removed from the 2s orbital. For the third ionization energy the electron must be removed from the 1s orbital which has less energy than the 2s, and so requires much more energy to be removed.
The next highest energy electron orbital after 3p is the 4s orbital, after which comes the 3d and then 4p orbitals.