High School

For each of the following pairs of subshells, indicate which is higher in energy:

(a) 2s or 2p

(b) 3d or 4p

(c) 4s or 4p

(d) 3d or 4s

Answer :

Final answer:

The energy levels of subshells can be determined by their principal quantum numbers and their shapes. Higher principal quantum numbers indicate higher energy levels, and subshells with more complex shapes generally have higher energy levels.

Explanation:

The energy levels of subshells can be determined by their principal quantum numbers and their shapes. Higher principal quantum numbers indicate higher energy levels, and subshells with more complex shapes generally have higher energy levels. Therefore, the higher energy subshell in each pair is:

(a) 2p > 2s

(b) 4p > 3d

(c) 4s > 4p

(d) 3d > 4s