Each orbital in an atom can be occupied by
A) only one electron.
B) two electrons with spins in the same direction.
C) two electrons with spins in opposite directions.
D) any number of electrons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Pauli's Exclusion Principle, no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers. Therefore, two electrons in the same orbital must have opposite spins. This is known as Hund's Rule. Therefore, option C is correct, as each orbital can be occupied by two electrons with spins in opposite directions. Option A is incorrect, as an orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons. Option B is also incorrect, as electrons in the same orbital must have opposite spins. Option D is incorrect, as there is a limit to the number of electrons that can occupy each orbital according to the exclusion principle.

Each Orbital in an Atom Can Be Occupied by