which of the following is an acceptable set of 4 quantum numbers for the outermost electron in gallium?

Question

1. n=5, 1=2, m2=0, ms=1/2
2. n=3, 1=2, m1=0, ms=1/2
3. n=4, 1=2, m1= -1, ms= -1/2
4. n=4, 1=1, m1=0, ms = -1/2

Answer 1

4 is the ground state configuration, with an electron in one of the 4p orbitals. 1 and 3 would be excited state configurations, with an electron in either in one of the 5d or one of the 4d orbitals. 2 is one of the 3d orbitals, which would not be for the outermost electron.