Multiple Choice
In the hydrogen atom, the principal quantum number n specifies the energy level of an electron. If an electron originated from the third energy level before making a transition, what is the value of n for its initial state?
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9. Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Numbers: Principal Quantum Number
Multiple Choice
Which of the following principles states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers?
A
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
B
Hund's Rule
C
Pauli Exclusion Principle
D
Aufbau Principle
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the question is asking about a principle related to the quantum numbers of electrons in an atom.
Recall that electrons in an atom are described by four quantum numbers: the principal quantum number (\(n\)), the azimuthal quantum number (\(\ell\)), the magnetic quantum number (\(m_\ell\)), and the spin quantum number (\(m_s\)).
Identify the principle that states no two electrons in the same atom can have identical values for all four quantum numbers.
Recognize that the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle deals with the limits of simultaneously knowing position and momentum, not electron quantum numbers.
Recall that Hund's Rule concerns the filling of orbitals to maximize unpaired electrons, and the Aufbau Principle describes the order in which orbitals are filled, but neither restricts quantum number uniqueness like the Pauli Exclusion Principle does.
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