Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the electron configuration of the Ga^{3+} ion?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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Which of the following statements best describes the rule indicated by the aufbau principle in electron configuration?
A
Electrons occupy degenerate orbitals singly before pairing up.
B
Electrons are added to orbitals in order of increasing atomic number.
C
No two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers.
D
Electrons fill the lowest energy orbitals first before occupying higher energy orbitals.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the aufbau principle is a rule used to determine the electron configuration of atoms by specifying the order in which electrons fill atomic orbitals.
Recall that according to the aufbau principle, electrons occupy orbitals starting from the lowest energy level and move to higher energy orbitals only after the lower ones are filled.
Recognize that this principle helps explain the arrangement of electrons in shells and subshells, ensuring the atom is in its lowest possible energy state.
Differentiate the aufbau principle from other related concepts: for example, Hund's rule states that electrons occupy degenerate orbitals singly before pairing, and the Pauli exclusion principle states that no two electrons can have the same set of four quantum numbers.
Conclude that the statement 'Electrons fill the lowest energy orbitals first before occupying higher energy orbitals' best describes the aufbau principle.
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