Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2009 2009Moderate

Nitrogen has three unpaired electrons according to:

Correct answer: A. Hund's rule

  • A. Hund's rule
  • B. Aulban rule
  • C. Paoli's exclusion lrinciple
  • D. Thumb rule

Explanation

Hund's Rule: Hund's rule is a principle in quantum mechanics that states that for a given electron shell, orbitals of equal energy are filled with one electron each before any orbital receives a second electron. This rule applies to atoms or ions with multiple orbitals available at the same energy level. According to Hund's rule, when nitrogen is in its ground state, its three 2p orbitals are singly occupied by electrons with parallel spins, resulting in three unpaired electrons. In summary, the statement that nitrogen has three unpaired electrons aligns with Hund's rule, which describes the distribution of electrons in orbitals of equal energy.

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About Electronic Configuration

Electronic configuration describes how electrons occupy shells, subshells and orbitals around an atom. Questions use the Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle and Hund's rule to write configurations, identify valence electrons, form ions and explain periodic trends, including common exceptions such as chromium and copper.

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