Chapter 11.3, Problem 6RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The Pauli’s exclusion principle is to be defined and how it is used to determine the position of an electron is to be explained.

Concept Introduction: The Pauli’s exclusion principle determines the arrangement of an electron in an orbital.

Answer to Problem 6RQ

The Pauli’s exclusion principle states that two electrons in an atom cannot have same value of all four quantum numbers. The electrons present in the same orbital have different spin quantum number.

Explanation of Solution

Each and every electron of an atom has a unique set of quantum numbers. This allows us to find the energy level, subshell, orbital position and spin orientation of the electron using its set of quantum numbers.

Conclusion

Thus, Pauli exclusion principle helps to find the position of electron in an orbital.