Orbitals & Electron Configuration

Front

What are orbitals in atomic theory?

Back

Orbitals are regions in an atom where there is a high probability of finding electrons. They are defined by quantum mechanics and come in different shapes (s, p, d, f) and energy levels.

Front

What is electron configuration?

Back

Electron configuration is the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals, described by a series of numbers and letters that indicate the energy levels and types of orbitals occupied by electrons.

Front

How many valence electrons does an atom have?

Back

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. They determine the chemical properties and reactivity of the element.

Front

What is the Aufbau Principle?

Back

The Aufbau Principle states that electrons occupy the lowest energy orbitals first before filling higher energy orbitals.

Front

What is the Pauli Exclusion Principle?

Back

The Pauli Exclusion Principle states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers, meaning that an orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins.

Front

What is Hund's Rule?

Back

Hund's Rule states that electrons will fill degenerate orbitals (orbitals of the same energy) singly before pairing up, to minimize electron-electron repulsion.

Front

How many electrons can an s sublevel hold?

Back

An s sublevel can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.

Front

How many electrons can a p sublevel hold?

Back

A p sublevel can hold a maximum of 6 electrons.

Front

How many electrons can a d sublevel hold?

Back

A d sublevel can hold a maximum of 10 electrons.

Front

How many electrons can an f sublevel hold?

Back

An f sublevel can hold a maximum of 14 electrons.