Patterns in Electron Configurations Flashcard

Front

What is the atomic orbital model?

Back

The atomic orbital model describes the regions in an atom where there is a high probability of finding electrons. It visualizes the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus based on their energy levels.

Front

What are atomic orbitals?

Back

Atomic orbitals are mathematical functions that describe the wave-like behavior of electrons in an atom. They are often represented as shapes (s, p, d, f) that indicate the probability distribution of an electron.

Front

What is the significance of energy levels in an atom?

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Energy levels in an atom represent the fixed distances from the nucleus where electrons can exist. Each energy level can hold a specific number of electrons, influencing the atom's chemical properties.

Front

What is the maximum number of electrons in the first energy level?

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The maximum number of electrons in the first energy level (n=1) is 2.

Front

What is the shape of s orbitals?

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s orbitals have a spherical shape, with the electron density evenly distributed around the nucleus.

Front

What is the shape of p orbitals?

Back

p orbitals have a dumbbell shape and are oriented along the x, y, and z axes, allowing for three different orientations.

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What is the Pauli Exclusion Principle?

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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.

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What is Hund's Rule?

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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

What is the Aufbau Principle?

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

Front

What are valence electrons?

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Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding.