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Which of the following properly represents the order of orbital filling based on the relative energy of the orbitals?

A. 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3d, 3p, 4s, 4p

B. 1s, 2s, 2p, 2d, 3s, 3p, 3d, 4s, 4p

C. 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 3d, 4s, 4p

D. 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s, 2p, 3p, 4p, 3d

E. 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p

Answer :

To find the correct order of orbital filling based on their relative energy levels, we need to follow the Aufbau principle. This principle states that electrons fill atomic orbitals in an order starting from the lowest to the highest energy level.

Here are the steps to determine the correct order:

1. Identify the Aufbau Sequence: The typical filling order based on increasing energy levels is:
- 1s
- 2s
- 2p
- 3s
- 3p
- 4s
- 3d
- 4p

2. Review the provided options and compare with the correct sequence:

- Option 1: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3d, 3p, 4s, 4p
- Incorrect: The 3d orbital should be filled after the 4s orbital, not before 3p.

- Option 2: 1s, 2s, 2p, 2d, 3s, 3p, 3d, 4s, 4p
- Incorrect: There is no 2d orbital.

- Option 3: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 3d, 4s, 4p
- Incorrect: The 3d orbital should come after the 4s orbital.

- Option 4: 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s, 2p, 3p, 4p, 3d
- Incorrect: This option disrupts the correct order of orbital filling.

- Option 5: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p
- Correct: This option follows the proper order according to the Aufbau principle.

After reviewing each option, we conclude that Option 5 is the correct order for orbital filling based on energy levels. This sequence aligns perfectly with the recognized Aufbau principle.

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