Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best describes the rule indicated by the aufbau principle in electron configuration?
2
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 are two characteristics of atomic electron configurations?
A
Electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy, and each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins.
B
Electrons fill orbitals in order of decreasing energy, and each orbital can hold up to four electrons.
C
Electrons fill orbitals randomly, and each orbital can hold an unlimited number of electrons.
D
Electrons only occupy s orbitals, and all electrons in an atom have the same spin.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that atomic electron configurations describe how electrons are arranged in an atom's orbitals based on energy levels and quantum rules.
Recall the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level to higher ones, meaning electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy.
Remember the Pauli Exclusion Principle, which states that each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons, and these electrons must have opposite spins to satisfy quantum mechanical restrictions.
Recognize that other options contradict fundamental principles: electrons do not fill orbitals randomly, nor do they only occupy s orbitals, and orbitals cannot hold more than two electrons.
Conclude that the correct characteristics are that electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy, and each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins.
Related Videos
Related Practice
The Electron Configuration practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations