Which of the following is the correct orbital diagram for a nitrogen atom (atomic number 7)?

• A. 1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑↓ ↑
• B. 1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑ ↑ ↑
• C. 1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑ 2p: ↑ ↑ ↑
• D. 1s: ↑↓ 2s: ↑↓ 2p: ↑↓ ↑↓

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the total number of electrons in a nitrogen atom. Since nitrogen has an atomic number of 7, it has 7 electrons.
2. Step 2: Fill the orbitals in order of increasing energy using the Aufbau principle: first fill 1s, then 2s, then 2p orbitals.
3. Step 3: Apply the Pauli exclusion principle, which states that each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins.
4. Step 4: Use Hund's rule for the 2p orbitals: place one electron in each of the three 2p orbitals before pairing any electrons.
5. Step 5: Construct the orbital diagram by placing 2 electrons (paired) in 1s, 2 electrons (paired) in 2s, and then distribute the remaining 3 electrons singly in the three 2p orbitals.