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Is It Easier to Add an Electron to an s Orbital Than to Add One to a p Orbital With the Same Quantum Number?

a) true
b) false

User Jarin Udom
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1 Answer

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Final Answer:

It is false that adding an electron to an s orbital is easier than adding one to a p orbital with the same quantum number. While s orbitals have slightly lower energy, the difference is not substantial enough to significantly affect the ease of adding electrons. So, the correct answer is b) False.

Step-by-step explanation:

Energy Levels of Orbitals: In quantum mechanics, electrons fill orbitals based on energy levels. While s orbitals generally have slightly lower energy than p orbitals with the same quantum number, the difference is relatively small.

Aufbau Principle: The Aufbau principle dictates that electrons fill the lowest energy orbitals first. However, the difference in energy between s and p orbitals is not significant enough to make adding an electron to an s orbital significantly easier than adding one to a p orbital with the same quantum number.

Electron Configuration: Electron configuration follows a specific order based on the Aufbau principle, ensuring that electrons are added to orbitals in a systematic way. The difference in ease between adding electrons to s and p orbitals lies within the broader context of electron filling rules.

Therefore, the correct answer is b) False.

User Deinocheirus
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