Electron Configuration and Quantum Numbers

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding electron configuration and quantum numbers important for understanding atomic structure.

Electron Configuration

The assignment of all of the electrons in an atom into specific shells and subshells.

Aufbau Principle

States that electrons should occupy orbitals with lower energy before those with higher energy.

Pauli Exclusion Principle

States that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of quantum numbers.

Hund's Rule

Suggests that the most stable arrangement of electrons in subshells is the one with the greatest number of parallel spins.

Quantum Numbers

Set of numbers that describe the atomic orbitals and the properties of the electrons in those orbitals.

Principal Quantum Number (n)

Describes the size or energy level of the orbital.

Angular Quantum Number (l)

Describes the shape of the orbital.

Magnetic Quantum Number (m)

Describes the orientation of the orbital in space.

Spin Quantum Number (s)

Describes the direction of the spin of an electron.

Ground-State Electron Configuration

The most stable, lowest-energy arrangement of the electrons in an atom.