The correct order of orbitals is:
Correct answer: A. 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s
- A. 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s
- B. 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 3d, 4p, 4s, 5s
- C. 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 3d, 3f, 4s, 5d
- D. 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 4p, 4d, 5s
Explanation
The order of atomic orbitals is determined by their energy levels. This order follows the Aufbau principle and the (n+l) rule. Here's how it works:n represents the principal quantum number, which indicates the energy level (1, 2, 3, etc.).l represents the azimuthal quantum number, which describes the shape of the orbital (s=0, p=1, d=2, f=3).The (n+l) rule states that the orbital with the lower (n+l) value will have lower energy and will be filled first. If two orbitals have the same (n+l) value, the orbital with the lower n value will have lower energy.Option a follows the (n+l) rule correctly. For example, 4s (n+l = 4) has lower energy than 3d (n+l = 5).
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