np4 electron configuration are the Explain why the term symbols for an np? electron configuration. same as for an

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
Question
Please show work with explanation
**Question:**

Explain why the term symbols for an \( np^4 \) electron configuration are the same as for an \( np^2 \) electron configuration.

**Explanation:**

In atomic physics, term symbols provide important information about the angular momentum and spin states of electrons within an atom. The similarity in term symbols for \( np^4 \) and \( np^2 \) configurations arises from the inherent symmetry and complementary nature of electron pairing.

- **Electron Configuration:** For both \( np^2 \) and \( np^4 \), the term symbols reflect the possible arrangements of electrons and their resultant states. This is because a filled \( p \) shell has six electrons, and the complement of \( 2 \) electrons in a configuration (like \( np^4 \)) will have similar term symbols as the direct configuration (like \( np^2 \)) due to the addition of two missing electron spaces that mimic the presence of the electrons in the \( np^2 \) configuration.

- **Hund's Rule and Symmetry:** According to Hund's rule, the configurations will exhibit the same sets of term symbols due to their complementary nature—what one configuration lacks, the other has, leading to overall symmetrical arrangements in terms of orbital filling and electron pairing.

**Implications:**

Understanding these symmetries helps to predict and rationalize the behavior of elements based on their electron configurations, crucial for applications in spectroscopy and quantum chemistry.
Transcribed Image Text:**Question:** Explain why the term symbols for an \( np^4 \) electron configuration are the same as for an \( np^2 \) electron configuration. **Explanation:** In atomic physics, term symbols provide important information about the angular momentum and spin states of electrons within an atom. The similarity in term symbols for \( np^4 \) and \( np^2 \) configurations arises from the inherent symmetry and complementary nature of electron pairing. - **Electron Configuration:** For both \( np^2 \) and \( np^4 \), the term symbols reflect the possible arrangements of electrons and their resultant states. This is because a filled \( p \) shell has six electrons, and the complement of \( 2 \) electrons in a configuration (like \( np^4 \)) will have similar term symbols as the direct configuration (like \( np^2 \)) due to the addition of two missing electron spaces that mimic the presence of the electrons in the \( np^2 \) configuration. - **Hund's Rule and Symmetry:** According to Hund's rule, the configurations will exhibit the same sets of term symbols due to their complementary nature—what one configuration lacks, the other has, leading to overall symmetrical arrangements in terms of orbital filling and electron pairing. **Implications:** Understanding these symmetries helps to predict and rationalize the behavior of elements based on their electron configurations, crucial for applications in spectroscopy and quantum chemistry.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 2 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Quantum Mechanical Model of Atom
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY