Question Detail

CHM 101 Quantum Theory and Atomic Structure Objective Question
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Question

According to Hund's rule, how do electrons fill degenerate orbitals?
Options
A Electrons pair up in each orbital before occupying the next orbital
B Electrons fill all degenerate orbitals singly with parallel spins before pairing
Correct Answer
C Electrons occupy orbitals in order of increasing energy without regard to spin
D Electrons fill orbitals with opposite spins in each orbital sequentially
Correct Answer

Option B is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

Hund's rule states that in a set of degenerate orbitals (orbitals with the same energy), electrons will occupy each orbital singly with parallel spins before any orbital receives a second electron. This arrangement minimizes electron-electron repulsion and results in the lowest energy state.

Hint

Think about the rule that maximizes the number of unpaired electrons in degenerate orbitals.

Question Info

Course: CHM 101
Topic: Quantum Theory and Atomic Structure
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 1522 of 1872
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