Multiple Choice
Which of the following is most likely to be found in a stable electron configuration?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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According to the aufbau principle, which of the following sublevels is lowest in energy?
A
4s
B
3d
C
3s
D
2p
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the aufbau principle states electrons fill atomic orbitals starting from the lowest energy level to higher energy levels.
Understand that energy levels are generally filled in order of increasing (n + l) value, where n is the principal quantum number and l is the azimuthal quantum number (sublevel type: s=0, p=1, d=2, f=3).
Calculate the (n + l) values for each sublevel: 4s (n=4, l=0) gives 4+0=4; 3d (n=3, l=2) gives 3+2=5; 3s (n=3, l=0) gives 3+0=3; 2p (n=2, l=1) gives 2+1=3.
Compare the (n + l) values: lower values correspond to lower energy. For ties, the sublevel with the lower n value has lower energy.
Based on this, determine which sublevel has the lowest energy by comparing the calculated values and applying the tie-break rule.
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