Multiple Choice
In its ground-state electron configuration, how many unpaired electrons are present in a neutral phosphorus atom (atomic number )?
9. Electrons in Atoms and the Periodic Table
Electronic Structure: Orbitals
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Which of the following statements is false?
a) A set of d orbitals contains 5 orbitals.
b) A set of 4s orbitals would have more energy than a set of 3p orbitals.
c) A set of 3s orbitals would have less energy than a set of 5p orbitals.
d) A set of f orbitals contains 3 orbitals.
e) A set of p orbitals contains 1 orbital.
A
a, b
B
b, d
C
c, d
D
d, e
E
b, e
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the basic structure of atomic orbitals: s, p, d, and f orbitals have different numbers of orbitals. Specifically, s has 1, p has 3, d has 5, and f has 7 orbitals.
Recall the order of energy levels for orbitals: Generally, energy increases as you move from s to p to d to f within the same principal energy level. Additionally, energy increases with higher principal quantum numbers (n).
Evaluate statement a: A set of d orbitals contains 5 orbitals. This is true based on the known structure of atomic orbitals.
Evaluate statement b: A set of 4s orbitals would have more energy than a set of 3p orbitals. This is false because 4s orbitals are filled before 3p orbitals, indicating they have lower energy.
Evaluate statement d: A set of f orbitals contains 3 orbitals. This is false because a set of f orbitals actually contains 7 orbitals.
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