Quantum Numbers Symbol Description EXAMPLE (fluorine)

Principle n 1.7 (Periods) 1, 2

1=s 3=d
2=p 4=f
Angular l s, p ,d, f
Momentum 2, 6, 10, 14
(max # of arrows) 1s2 2s2 2p5
Magnetic m Lines equal half 1s 2s 2p 2p 2p
1, 3, 5, 7

Spin +1/2 or Up or Down Arrows

-1/2
UP SPIN
or 1s2 2s2 2p5
DOWN SPIN
(Arrows = Electrons)

Aufbau Principle: An electron occupies the lowest-energy orbital first. EXCEPTION: This principle breaks
down with some elements like the transition metals (like iron, Fe) when an electron may only fill half of an
orbital and then start filling the next energy level.

Pauli Exclusion Principle: no two electrons in the same atom can have the same set of four quantum
numbers. LOGIC: If two electrons in the same atom had the same quantum numbers (same electron
configuration), they would be considered “occupying the same space”…which is impossible.

Hund’s Rule: orbitals of equal energy are each occupied by one electron before an orbital is occupied
by a second electron…AND all electrons in singly occupied orbitals must have the same spin state.
ANALOGY: Electrons behave like people do on a bus. You would never sit next to someone you didn’t know if
there were empty seats. If all the seats are taken, you must sit with someone.

Electron Configuration Noble-gas Orbital Notation

Notation
Be

Fe
Name: ___________________________________ Date: ____________ Period: ___________
LAB: Interactive Web Challenge - Orbital Notation
Step 1 - Visit the following website and follow the directions to complete the questions.
http://www.learner.org/interactives/periodic/elementary_interactive.html

Step 2 – For each question, draw the orbital notation for the element. Orbital notation is found in the
box on the right labeled “Electrons.” Do not draw the atoms. Careful: Do not move on until you have
drawn the correct arrows and labeled each sublevel, or you will have to restart.

He:

C:

Na:

Ar:

Step 3 – Answer the following questions:

1. What shape was the “s” orbital and sketch it. ____________________

2. What shape was the “p” orbital and sketch it. ____________________

3. How many electrons were allowed to be in an “s” orbital? ________

4. Name the three 2p-sublevels. _____ _____ _____

5. How many electrons were allowed to be in one “p” sublevel? _________

6. How many electrons were allowed to be in a full “p” orbital? _________

7. Which rule explains why the “p” orbital does NOT fill like this:

A) Hund’s Rule B) Pauli Exclusion Principle C) Aufbau’s Principle

8. Were you able to start filling the 3s before filling the 2p? (Yes/no) __________.
9. Which rule does #9 follow?
A) Hund’s Rule B) Pauli Exclusion Principle C) Aufbau’s Principle