Electrons can sometimes fill orbitals in manners that defy specified rules. If they do so, we say that the atom is in an excited state. Which of the following represents the excited state of an atom? A) 1s²2s²2p⁶3s² B) 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹3p¹ C) both 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²and 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹3p¹ D) neither 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²nor 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹3p¹

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The excited state of an atom can be determined by looking for an electron configuration that does not follow the expected pattern of filling orbitals according to increasing energy levels and the Pauli exclusion principle. Option B shows an electron configuration that deviates from the expected pattern, indicating that the atom is in an excited state. Options A, C, and D all show electron configurations that follow the expected pattern and do not represent an excited state of an atom.

Electrons Can Sometimes Fill Orbitals in Manners That Defy Specified