Multiple Choice
How many 5f orbitals are present in an atom?
3
views
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following lists the three fundamental rules used to write the electron configuration of elements?
A
Hund's rule, Law of conservation of mass, Heisenberg uncertainty principle
B
Octet rule, Law of definite proportions, Dalton's atomic theory
C
Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle, Hund's rule
D
Aufbau principle, Law of multiple proportions, Pauli exclusion principle
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the fundamental rules that govern how electrons are arranged in atoms, which are essential for writing electron configurations.
Recall that the Aufbau principle states electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level to higher ones.
Understand that the Pauli exclusion principle states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers, meaning each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins.
Recognize that Hund's rule states that electrons will fill degenerate orbitals (orbitals of the same energy) singly first, with parallel spins, before pairing up.
Eliminate options that include unrelated laws or principles (such as conservation of mass or atomic theory) that do not directly describe electron configuration rules.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations