Chapter 1: Problem 16

Describe Hund's rule of maximum multiplicity.

Short Answer

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Hund's rule, named after Friedrich Hund, states that every orbital in a subshell will be singly occupied with one electron before any is doubly occupied, and all electrons in singly occupied orbitals have the same spin, thus ensuring that the atom is in its lowest possible energy state. For instance, for a carbon atom, the two electrons in the 2p shell will each occupy a different 2p orbital, adhering to Hund's Rule.

Step by step solution

Understanding Hund's Rule

Hund's rule, named after Friedrich Hund, is an observation in atomic theory which states that every orbital in a subshell is singly occupied with one electron before any one orbital is doubly occupied, and all electrons in singly occupied orbitals have the same spin. This is also referred to as the Rule of Maximum Multiplicity.

Dividing Hund's Rule into Parts

Hund's rule can be broken down into three parts: 1. Electrons will always attempt to enter an empty orbital before they pair up. 2. All unpaired electrons must have the same spin (usually, but not always, spin-up). 3. The total spin of the electrons in an atom with a partially filled sub-shell is maximum, ensuring the atom is in the lowest possible energy state.

Providing an Example

Let's take the example of carbon atom (atomic number 6). The electronic configuration will be \(1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{2}\). In the 2p shell, there are three orbitals and two electrons. As per Hund's rule, each electron will occupy the p orbitals singly before doubling up. So, the two electrons in the 2p shell will each occupy a different 2p orbital, keeping the atom in its lowest possible energy state.

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Describe Hund's rule of maximum multiplicity.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Hund's Rule

Dividing Hund's Rule into Parts

Providing an Example

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