The Pauli exclusion principle states that
Correct answer: A. no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of all four quantum numbers
- A. no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of all four quantum numbers
- B. electrons always pair up
- C. orbitals fill in order of increasing energy
- D. electrons occupy the nucleus
Explanation
Because the first three quantum numbers define an orbital, the principle limits any orbital to two electrons, which must then differ in spin. This single rule is what gives every shell its fixed capacity and ultimately why the periodic table has the shape it does. The filling order is the separate aufbau principle.
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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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