Textbook Problem 1.E.25

[Ryan Khiev 1L]

I have a question on part d of this problem:
Which of the following subshells cannot exist in an atom: (a) 2d; (b) 4d; (c) 4g; (d) 6f?

I thought, because of the periodic table, that 6f isn't possible because the periodic table only has elements that can have 4f or 5f orbitals. Is it because a 6f orbital is possible for an excited electron, past the ground state?

Thanks in advance!

[Shria G 2D]

For 6f, n = 6 so l = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. Since l can be 3 which corresponds to the f orbital, it should exist and yes, I believe it would be for electrons in excited states.

[Ryan Khiev 1L]

Thank you Shria, you really helped clear up this problem for me!

Have a good day :)