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) 1s²2s²2p_x² B) 1s²2s¹2p_x¹2p_y¹2p_z¹ C) both 1s²2s²2p_x²and 1s²2s¹2px¹2p_y¹2p_z¹ D) neither 1s²2s²2p_x²nor 1s²2s¹2p_x¹2p_y¹2p_z¹

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The excited state of an atom occurs when electrons fill orbitals in a way that does not follow the normal rules. In choice C, both options represent excited states since they have electrons filling orbitals in a way that does not follow the Aufbau principle.

Electrons Can Sometimes Fill Orbitals in Manners That Defy Specified