Question

consider the orbitals shown below. which of these diagrams correctly shows the electron configuration for the atom with one more electron than the one shown above?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Hund's rule

Electrons fill degenerate orbitals (same - energy orbitals) singly first with parallel spins before pairing up.

Step2: Analyze the given orbital diagram

The original diagram has \(3s\) filled (\(2\) electrons) and two of the three \(3p\) orbitals have one electron each (parallel spins). When adding one more electron, according to Hund's rule, it should go into the empty \(3p\) orbital with parallel spin (same spin as the other \(3p\) electrons).

Answer:

The diagram with \(3s\) filled (\(\uparrow\downarrow\)) and three \(3p\) orbitals each with one electron (\(\uparrow\), \(\uparrow\), \(\uparrow\)) is correct.