Consider the atomic orbitals of indium. Which of the following statements are true?
1) The 5p orbital completely screens the 5s orbital.
2) The 5s orbital is more stable than the 5p orbital.
3) The orbitals with n = 4 or less shield the 5s orbital.
4) The 5s orbital is less stable than the 5p orbital.
5) The 5s orbital completely screens the 5p orbital.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

2) The 5s orbital is more stable than the 5p orbital because orbitals with lower angular momentum (s < p < d < f) at the same principal quantum number (n) are generally more stable due to better penetration and less shielding effect. 3) Orbitals with n = 4 or less shield the 5s orbital effectively because electrons in lower energy levels (n < 5) are closer to the nucleus and can shield outer electrons from the nuclear charge more effectively.

Consider the Atomic Orbitals of Indium