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Chapter 7: Problem 87

State the Aufbau principle and explain the role it plays in classifying the elements in the periodic table.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The Aufbau principle is a crucial framework in quantum mechanics, stating that electrons fill atomic orbitals of the lowest available energy levels first. It helps structure the periodic table with elements ordered by increasing electron numbers, which align with increasing atomic numbers. Elements in the same group have identical outer electron configurations, leading to similar physical and chemical properties—this structure and such periodic trends can be understood through the Aufbau principle.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Aufbau Principle

The Aufbau principle is a principle of quantum mechanics that is used to determine the electron configuration of an atom, molecule, or ion. The principle takes its name from the German word 'aufbauen', meaning 'building up'. The principle states that in the ground state of an atom or ion, electrons fill atomic orbitals of the lowest available energy levels before occupying higher levels. This means electrons progressively fill up the orbitals in order of increasing energy levels.
02

The Aufbau Principle and the Periodic Table Structure

The Aufbau principle plays a key role in structuring the periodic table. Since elements are defined by the number of protons they possess, and each proton attracts one electron, it follows that the number of electrons in an atom also defines its identity as an element. As per the Aufbau principle, these elemental electrons fill in the orbitals in order of increasing energy. The patterned manner in which the orbitals are filled correlates with the layout of the periodic table.
03

Explanation of Periodic Table Groupings

The structure of the periodic table organizes elements into groups (vertical columns) and periods (horizontal rows). Each period begins with a new energy level. The Aufbau principle explains why certain elements with similar properties are grouped together: elements within a group on the periodic table have the same outer electron configuration—they have the same number of electrons in the outermost energy level. This configuration, dictated by the Aufbau principle, directly influences the chemical properties of the elements, leading to the periodic trends observed in the table.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A particular form of electromagnetic radiation has a frequency of \(8.11 \times 10^{14} \mathrm{~Hz}\). (a) What is its wavelength in nanometers? In meters? (b) To what region of the electromagnetic spectrum would you assign it? (c) What is the energy (in joules) of one quantum of this radiation?

For each of the following pairs of hydrogen orbitals, indicate which is higher in energy: (a) \(1 s, 2 s ;\) (b) \(2 p\), \(3 p ;\) (c) \(3 d_{x y}, 3 d_{y z};\) (d) \(3 s, 3 d ;\) (e) 4f, \(5 s.\)

Calculate the total number of electrons that can occupy (a) one \(s\) orbital, (b) three \(p\) orbitals, (c) five \(d\) orbitals, (d) seven \(f\) orbitals.

Which quantum number defines a shell? Which quantum numbers define a subshell?

What properties of electrons are used in the operation of an electron microscope?
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