Electrons can sometimes fill orbitals in a manner other than according to the rules we have specified. If they do so we say the atom is in an excited state. Which of the following represent(s) the excited state of an atom? A) 1s²2s²2p_x² B) 1s²2s¹2p_x¹2p_y¹2p_z¹ C) both a and b D) neither a nor b

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both options a and b represent excited state electron configurations as they deviate from the standard order of filling orbitals and have electrons in higher energy levels. Option a shows deviations in the 2s orbital and the 2p orbital while option b shows deviations in both the 2s and 2p orbitals. Therefore, both a and b represent excited states of an atom.

Electrons Can Sometimes Fill Orbitals in a Manner Other Than