Chapter 9: Problem 97
Identify what is wrong with each electron configuration and write the correct ground-state (or lowest energy) configuration based on the number of electrons. (a) \(1 s^{3} 2 s^{3} 2 p^{9}\) (b) \(1 s^{2} 2 s^{2} 2 p^{6} 2 d^{4}\) (c) \(1 s^{2} 1 p^{5}\) (d) \(1 s^{2} 2 s^{2} 2 p^{8} 3 s^{2} 3 p^{1}\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Analyze Electron Configuration for Part (a)
Write the Correct Configuration for Part (a)
Analyze Electron Configuration for Part (b)
Write the Correct Configuration for Part (b)
Analyze Electron Configuration for Part (c)
Write the Correct Configuration for Part (c)
Analyze Electron Configuration for Part (d)
Write the Correct Configuration for Part (d)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding the Aufbau Principle
Applied to the exercise, each part shows an incorrect electron arrangement because they don't follow this 'hotel booking' method. For instance, the problematic electron configuration in part (a), presented as
1s^{3} 2s^{3} 2p^{9}, doesn't adhere to the Aufbau principle as it tries to fill orbitals beyond their maximum capacity. The correct configuration, 1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{3}, respects the principle by placing the electrons in the next available energy levels, ensuring each 'room' is properly filled according to the 'hotel capacity' rules.To use this principle effectively, one must be familiar with the order of filling which follows the sequence 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, and so forth, with the d and f block elements following their own unique sequence. Remember this: fill the lower levels before the higher ones, just like choosing lower floors before heading upstairs in our electron 'hotel'.
Applying Hund's Rule
In our exercise, Hund's rule comes into play when deciding how to distribute electrons across the
2p and 3p orbitals. For example, the corrected configuration for part (a), 1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{3}, obeys Hund's rule by filling each 3p orbital with one electron before any pairing occurs. This ensures that the electrons are as comfortable and spread out as possible before bunking together. Visualize this as if the 'hotel' provides rooms with multiple beds (orbitals), Hund’s rule is the policy that if it’s not necessary, don't share a bed; get one bed per guest until you have to start sharing.
Pauli Exclusion Principle: The 'Do Not Disturb' Sign
Translated into orbital terms, this means a maximum of two electrons per orbital and they must have opposite spins (represented as up and down arrows in diagrams). Reflecting on the exercise, we see this rule being violated in the original configurations. Take part (a) again, where the configuration suggests
1s^{3}, implying three electrons are sharing the same room, which is against the 'hotel policy'. The corrected version, 1s^{2}, adheres to the rule by only allowing two electrons with opposite spins to occupy the '1s' room.Understanding the Pauli Exclusion Principle is crucial. It's like ensuring each electron has its own key card to its distinct room, preventing any unwelcome surprises and maintaining electron privacy and stability within an atom.