Final answer:
Electrons in an atom are organized by starting with the lowest energy level and then filling the orbitals in a specific order. The filling order is based on experimental observations and theoretical calculations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Electrons in an atom are organized by starting with the lowest energy level and then filling the orbitals in a specific order. The filling order is based on experimental observations and theoretical calculations. The principle quantum number, n, determines the general energy level of the electron, while the magnetic quantum number, m₁, determines the relative spatial orientation of the orbital. When filling orbitals, electrons follow the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill the lowest energy orbitals first before moving to higher energy levels.