Which of the following statements concerning the fundamental rules for filling electrons in atomic o — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question
Question
Which of the following statements concerning the fundamental rules for filling electrons in atomic orbitals are chemically and conceptually CORRECT?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Statement A correctly explains the stability of $d^5$ and $d^{10}$ configurations. Statement B is correct: the $(n+l)$ value for $4d$ is $4+2=6$, and for $5p$ is $5+1=6$. Since $(n+l)$ is equal, the orbital with the lower $n$ ($4d$) fills first, followed by $5p$. Statement D is correct as $3d^{10}$ offers maximum symmetry and exchange energy. Statement C is incorrect because the Pauli Exclusion Principle requires the two electrons in the same orbital to have OPPOSITE (anti-parallel) spins.