Chemistry - Orbital Essentials - Learning Outcomes - Anant Hariharan

12.1 Electron con guration

12.1.1

Explain how evidence from rst ionization energies across periods accounts for the existence of main energy levels and sub-levels in atoms. Principle: Since lone electrons in energy levels require a lower amount of energy to be removed, a relatively low ionization energy indicates that the electrons in a given element have moved to occupy a new energy level. The graph of FIRST IONIZATION ENERGIES only refers to the outermost electron in the elements. Therefore, jumps in the ionization energy indicate that the outermost electron is in a new level, and requires less energy to be removed. 12.1.2 Explain how successive ionization energy data is related to the electron con guration of an atom. Principle: First ionization Energy + Z -> Z+ + eIf electrons are removed from an atom (e.g Aluminum), we can make a graph from the ionization energy required to remove each electron. The graph follows linear trends for each energy level, but jumps show new levels.

For example, we can tell that since theres a jump after the third electron, the outer energy level has 3 electrons. Therefore, this is a Group 3 atom. The jump is because of the eective nuclear charge increasing by successive energy levels. Hence, greater electrostatic forces and attraction.

12.1.3 State the relative energies of s, p, d and f orbitals in a single energy level. Principle: Mathematically, s>p>d>f. Exceptions can be seen as the 4s orbital lls before the 3d orbital. 12.1.4 State the maximum number of orbitals in a given energy level. Principles: Each type of sub-level can have a set number of orbitals. Therere 4 sub-levels. s, p, d and f. s = 1 orbital. s = 3 Orbitals. d = 5 orbitals. f = 7 orbitals. For n = increasing energy level. 1 = s (1 orbital) 2 = s, p (4 orbitals) 3 = s, p, d (9 orbitals) 4 = s, p, d, f (16 orbitals) Therefore, when n = main energy level number, # of orbitals = n2

Chemistry - Orbital Essentials - Learning Outcomes - Anant Hariharan

12.1.5 Draw the shape of an s orbital and the shapes of the px, py and pz orbitals. Principle: s orbitals are spheres around the nucleus. p orbitals are like gure eights aligned along a particular axis.

For a p orbital: The subscript shows which axis the orbital is aligned on.

12.1.6 Apply the Aufbau principle, Hunds rule and the Pauli exclusion principle to write electron con gurations for atoms and ions up to Z = 54. Aufbau principle: I. Electrons always enter the lowest energy orbital possible. II. EXCEPTIONS: Copper and Chromium. They only have one 4s electron, but then... Chromium: 4s1 3d5 Copper: 4s1 3d1 For them, its more energetically ecient to half- ll the 4s orbital, and then half- ll/fully- ll the 3d orbital. For a sub-level containing several empty orbitals, electrons dont jump two at a time into each one, because the energy cost due to repulsion would be high. Instead, they enter orbitals one at a time, then pair up. THIS IS HUNDS RULE. Pauli Exclusion Rule: No two electrons can be at the same place at the same time: therefore, each electron is designated as unique.

MISCELLANEOUS (But Important) Information: *So, an orbital is de ned as the region around an atom where there is a 99% probability of nding an electron. ** Each orbital can have a maximum of two electrons. ***Each electron is uniquely described by four quantum numbers. This helps emphasize the Pauli Exclusion Rule. The quantum numbers describe : -The main energy level # -The type of orbital in that level -The number of orbitals of each type in that level - The spin of the electron