Quantum Numbers
Which statement best explains Pauli's exclusion principle?
Select the correct option:
Solution
No two electrons in an atom can have all four quantum numbers identical
- Principle Statement: Pauli's Exclusion Principle states that no two electrons in the same atom can have the exact same set of four quantum numbers (n,l,ml,ms).
- Practical Consequence: Since the first three n,l,ml define a specific orbital, and ms has only two values (+1/2,−1/2), it implies an orbital can hold at most two electrons.
- Spin requirement: These two electrons must have opposite (anti-parallel) spins.
- Counter-options: Option 1 is the Aufbau principle. Option 3 is Hund's rule. Option 4 is the de Broglie hypothesis.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- atomic structure
- Topic
- quantum numbers
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
No two electrons in an atom can have all four quantum numbers identical
- Principle Statement: Pauli's Exclusion Principle states that no two electrons in the same atom can have the exact same set of four quantum numbers (n,l,ml,ms).
- Practical Consequence: Since the first three n,l,ml define a specific orbital, and ms has only two values (+1/2,−1/2), it implies an orbital can hold at most two electrons.
- Spin requirement: These two electrons must have opposite (anti-parallel) spins.
- Counter-options: Option 1 is the Aufbau principle. Option 3 is Hund's rule. Option 4 is the de Broglie hypothesis.
This easy difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter atomic structure, covering the topic of quantum numbers. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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