According to the n plus l rule, which orbital is filled first?
- A. 3d
- B. 4s
- C. 4p
- D. 4d
Explanation
For 4s the sum is 4 plus 0, that is 4, while for 3d it is 3 plus 2, that is 5, so the lower sum fills first and 4s is occupied before 3d. When two orbitals have the same sum, the one with the lower n fills first. This ordering explains why potassium and calcium come before the transition metals.
Related questions
According to Hund's rule, electrons entering a set of degenerate orbitals will
The correct electronic configuration of chromium (Z = 24) is
Which orbital is filled immediately after the 4s orbital according to the Aufbau principle?
Hund's rule states that within a subshell, electrons
The Pauli exclusion principle states that