The minimum energy principle tells us that:
A) the energy of an atom with a high atomic number is less than the energy of an atom with a low atomic number
B) the energy of an atom with a low atomic number is less than the energy of an atom with high atomic number
C) when an atom makes an upward transition the energy of the absorbed photon is the least possible
D) the ground state configuration of any atom is the one with the least energy
E) the ground state configuration of any atom is the one with the least ionization energy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The minimum energy principle states that the ground state configuration of any atom is the one with the least energy. This means that electrons will arrange themselves in the lowest energy levels possible.

The Minimum Energy Principle Tells Us That