Question

spdf orbitals explained - 4 quantum numbers, electron con... the organic chemistry tutor means that the energy is equal so these three orbitals have equal which orbital will fill next? multiple - choice question 2p 3s 3p

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Aufbau principle

Electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy. The energy order of the given orbitals is determined by the (n + l) rule (where n is the principal - quantum number and l is the angular - momentum quantum number: l = 0 for s - orbitals, l = 1 for p - orbitals). For 2p, n = 2 and l = 1, so (n + l)=3. For 3s, n = 3 and l = 0, so (n + l)=3. For 3p, n = 3 and l = 1, so (n + l)=4. When (n + l) values are equal, the orbital with lower n fills first.

Step2: Determine filling order

Among 2p, 3s, and 3p, according to the Aufbau principle, the order of filling is 2p < 3s < 3p. After 2p is filled, the next orbital to fill is 3s.

Answer:

3s