How are electrons distributed among orbitals of equal energy?
A) The electrons will occupy the same orbital rather than separate orbitals and have opposite spins.
B) The electrons will occupy the same orbital rather than separate orbitals and have like spins.
C) The electrons will occupy different orbitals and have opposite spins.
D) The electrons will occupy different orbitals and have like spins.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electrons in orbitals of equal energy (degenerate orbitals) follow Hund's rule, which states that electrons will occupy separate orbitals with parallel (like) spins to minimize electron-electron repulsions within an atom.

How Are Electrons Distributed Among Orbitals of Equal Energy