Which of the following is not possible according to Pauli's exclusion principle?
Correct answer: A. Electrons with same spin in same orbital
- A. Electrons with same spin in same orbital
- B. Electrons with different spin in different orbital
- C. Electrons with same spin in different orbital
- D. Electrons with different spin in same orbital
- E. All are possible
Explanation
According to Pauli's exclusion principle, no two electrons in the same atom can have identical quantum numbers. This means that two electrons cannot occupy the same orbital with the same spin. Therefore, the correct answer is Electrons with same spin in same orbital, as this scenario is explicitly prohibited by the principle.In contrast, the other options describe scenarios that are permissible. Electrons can have different spins in the same orbital, and they can have the same spin in different orbitals without violating the principle. Thus, options B, C, D, and E are all valid scenarios.
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About Quantum Numbers
Quantum numbers describe an electron's energy level, subshell, orbital orientation and spin. You examine the principal, azimuthal, magnetic and spin quantum numbers, their allowed values, orbital capacity and how they determine electronic configurations and distinguish electrons within an atom.
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