Chapter 5, Problem 35A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the rules which govern the filling of atomic orbitals by electrons.

Concept Introduction: The placement of electrons inside orbitals around a nucleus is known as electronic configuration, also known as electronic structure, as well as electron configuration.

Answer to Problem 35A

There are mainly three rules which will apply in the filling of atomic orbitals and they are:

1. Aufbau principle
2. Pauli exclusive principle
3. Hund’s rule

Explanation of Solution

It is mainly three rules which govern the filling of atomic orbitals of electrons.

• According to the Aufbau principle, electrons will first fill lower-energy orbitals before shifting to higher energy levels.
• An orbital must only accommodate a maximum of two electrons having opposing spins, in accordance with the Pauli exclusion principle.
• Hund's rule of greatest multiplicity states that before any orbital in a sublevel is double occupied, all orbitals in that sublevel are singly occupied.