Senior High School

NO T

General
Chemistry 1
Quarter 2 - Module 1
Quantum Mechanical Description and the
Electronic Structure of Atoms

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 Module 1

What This Module is About

Early efforts by nineteenth-century physicists to comprehend atoms and molecules met with
only limited success. With the unwavering pursuit of scientists to come up with different experiments
and theories, the flurry of research that ensued altered our concept of nature forever.

This module comprises activities that will help deepen your understanding on the properties
and characteristics of atoms and how they affect the chemistry present in our daily lives.

The following are the lessons contained in this module:

• Quantum Numbers
• Electron configuration and the Magnetic Property of Atoms

What I Need to Know

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Use quantum numbers to describe an electron in an atom (STEM_GC11ESIIa-b-54);

2. Determine the magnetic property of the atom based on its electronic configuration
(STEM_GC11ESIIa-b-57);
3. Draw an orbital diagram to represent the electronic configuration of atoms
(STEM_GC11ESIIa-b-58)
 Quantum Numbers

What I Need to Know

According to the Heisenberg’s uncert ainty principle, it is impossible that both the energy and
position of an electron can be known at the same time. Thus, as we know more about the electron’s
energy, we know less about its position, and vice versa.

Bohr’s model of the hydrogen atom suggests that the electron orbits the nucleus like our solar
system (e.g. the planets around the sun). However, the quant um mechanical description of t he
hydrogen atom has proven t hat the Bohr’s model of electrons is incorrect. It states that we don’t know
exactly where the electron is, but with high probability, we can conclude that the electron is most likely
to be found in an orbital. In t his lesson, you should be able to describe t he electrons (e-) in orbitals
using the four quantum numbers.

Figure 1. Bohr’s Model (Electron in orbit) Figure 2. Quantum Mechanics

(Electron in orbital)

What’s New

Activity 1: True or False

Directions: Write T if the statement is true and F if the statement is false and answer the following
guide question.
The quantum mechanical description of electron is more accurate than that of Bohr’s
1.
model.
2. No two electrons have the same 4 quantum numbers.
3. We can both know the energy and the position of electrons at the same time.
4. Any two electrons in the same orbital must have the same spins.
5. The four quantum numbers are used to describe the probable location of an electron in
an atom.

Guide Question: In 3-5 sentences, state the difference between Bohr’s model and the quantum
mechanical model of an electron.

What Is It

All electrons have four quantum numbers which describe the location of electrons in the electron
cloud of an atom and can be used to determine the electron configuration of an atom. According to
the Pauli Exclusion P rinciple, each electron in an at om has an ex clusive set of quantum numbers and
no two electrons can have the same combination of four quantum numbers.

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The Four Quantum Numbers

Table 1. Quantum numbers and their possible values

Quantum Number Symbol Possible Values
Principal Quantum Number n 1,2,3,4… (positive integers)
Angular Momentum Quantum Number ℓ 0,1,2,3… (0 to n-1)
Magnetic Quantum Number ml - ℓ,…-1,0,1…,+ ℓ
Spin Quantum Number ms +1/2, -1/2

Principal Quantum Number

The principal quantum number, n, describes the energy of an electron. It refers to the energy level
and the size of t he orbital an electron is likely to be found. The value of n starts from 1 to the shell
containing the outermost electron of that atom. The larger the value of n, the greater is the energy and
the larger is the orbit al. The group of orbitals with the same value of n is called an electron shell. All
the orbitals that have n = 2, for example, are said to be in the second shell.
Carbon is in the second period of the periodic table, so, its outermost electron is in the shell with an
energy level 2. Therefore, an electron in Carbon can have an n value from 1 to 2.

Angular/Azimuthal Quantum Number

In chemistry, the angular quantum number, ℓ , defines the shape of an
atomic orbital. It also strongly influences bond angles and chemical bonds. It is defined in chemistry
that if ℓ = 0, it is called an s orbit al, ℓ = 1 is a p orbital, ℓ = 2 a d orbital, and ℓ = 3 an f orbital . The first p
orbital (ℓ = 1) is in the second electron shell (n = 2), the first d orbital (ℓ = 2) is in the third shell (n = 3),
and so on. The set of orbitals that have the same n and l values is called a subshell.

Magnetic Quantum Number

The magnetic quant um number (m l ) desc ribes the orient ation of t he orbital in s pac e and can
have integral values between - ℓ and ℓ, including zero.
For ex ample, the p subshell (ℓ = 1) contains three orbitals, so the mℓ of an electron in a p subshell will
be −1, 0, or 1.

The outermost electron of Carbon is in a 2p subs hell. This means that for that electron, n=2 and ℓ = 1.
Since ℓ = 1, we can conclude that there are three 2p orbitals in this subshell because there are three
values of ml, given by -1, 0, and 1.

Spin Quantum Number

Individual electrons within an orbital has a property represented by the
spin quantum number. Each orbital may hold up to two electrons with opposite spin directions.
Electrons are not really spinning in a physical sense, this is just a representation of the idea that there
are two possible values for the spin quantum number. When an electron is assigned to spin up, it is
represented by an upward arrow and a value of +1/2. If an electron is spinning down, it is represented
by a downward arrow and a value of -1/2.

Figure 3. Representation of the Spin Quantum Number values

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 What’s More (A)

Activity 2.1: Let’s test your understanding!

Directions: Answer as directed

List the values of n, ℓ, and m/ for orbitals in the 4d subshell.

n value/s ℓ value/s m/ value/s

1. What is the total number of orbitals associated with the principal quantum number n=3? Defend
your answer.
-
2. Can an e be described by the following set of quantum numbers? If not, indicate which of the
quantum numbers has a value that is not valid: n=2, ℓ =1, ml= -1, ms = +1/2
-
3. Can an e be described by the following set of quantum numbers? If not, indicate which of the
quantum numbers has a value that is not valid: n=3,
ℓ =1, ml=-3, ms = -1/2
-
4. Can an e be described by the following set of quantum numbers? If not, indicate which of the
quantum numbers has a value that is not valid: n=1,
ℓ =1, ml= +1, ms = -1/2

What’s More (B)

Activity 2.2: Identify the orbital

Directions: For the table below, write which orbital goes with the
quantum numbers. If the quantum numbers are not allowed, write “not allowed.”
n ℓ ml Orbital
2 1 -1 2p (example)
1 0 0
3 -3 2
3 2 -2
2 0 -1
0 0 0
4 2 1

What Have I Learned

Activity 3: How much have you learned?

Directions: In your own words, describe the following terms in 2-3 sentences only.

1. Quantum Number
2. Principal Quantum Number
3. Angular Quantum Number
4. Magnetic Quantum Number

What I Can Do
Activity 4: I am ELECTRON MAN!
Direction: Imagine yourself as an electron. As an electron, you should keep track of your location and
activity for three days. If quantum numbers give information about the location of an electron or set of
electrons, you could describe your location in any number of ways (e.g. GPS coordinates, qualitatively
describing your surroundings, google map, etc.). Since you are staying inside your home, you should
specify the exact room or place you are in. Fill out the table below with the needed details and answer
the questions that follow. The first row serves as an example

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Electron Name: Special Skill:
Day Time Location Activity
1 9 am Dining Area, Stark’s Mansion, Forbes Park Having breakfast with
Makati, Metro Manila. family
1 9 am
1 3 pm
1 7 pm
2 9 am
2 3 pm
2 7 pm
3 9 am
3 3 pm
3 7 pm

Follow-up Questions:

1. What is the importance of understanding the role of quantum numbers in chemistry?

2. How are GPS (Global Positioning System) and quantum numbers related to each other?

3. Why is it important to be aware of your location and surroundings?

Electron Configuration and the Magnetic Property of Atoms

What’s In

In lesson 1, we have learned that electrons have four quantum numbers which describe the loc ation
of electrons in an orbital and can be used to determine the electron configuration of an atom. The
electron configuration will be discussed in-depth in this lesson and the magnetic property of an atom
will be determined based on its electron configuration. Furthermore, the electron configuration of an
atom should also be represented through orbital diagrams.

What’s New

Activity 1: What is the Mystery Word?

Directions: Answer the following questions and combine the answers to reveal the mystery word.

__ __ __ L P T H __ L E __ N
1 2 3 4 5

1. The symbol of the element in the third period with 5 valence electrons and is used in the
manufacture of safety matches.
2. The symbol of the element in the first period with 2 valence electrons and used to inflate party
balloons.
3. The symbols of the two gaseous elements in the second period with valence electrons equal to 5
and 6, respectively.

4
4. The first letter of the name of the principle which states that electrons fill atomic orbitals of the
lowest available energy levels first before occupying higher levels in the atom’s ground state.
2 2 6 2 6 10 2 6
5. The symbol of the halogen with a complete electron configuration:1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s 4p
10 2 5
4d 5s 5p .

Hint: The “word” is often used as an indicator in acid–base titrations. It turns colorless in acidic
solutions and pink in basic solutions.

What Is It

Electron configuration is the arrangement of electrons within the orbitals of an atom to know
more about an atom’s electronic property. The ground-state electron configuration is the most stable
arrangement of electrons of an atom. All the electrons in an atom reside in the lowest energy orbitals
possible in this arrangement. Since each orbital can accommodate a maximum of t wo electrons,
using the periodic table, we can predict the electron configuration of all elements.
Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom. They are the highest energy
electrons in an at om and are the most reactive. Valenc e electrons can be gained, lost, or shared to
form chemical bonds unlike the inner electrons which do not participate in reactions. The number of
valence electrons of each element is equal to its group number on the Periodic Table. Elements with
the same number of valence electrons tend to have similar chemical properties.

The Aufbau Principle

The electrons in an atom fill up its atomic orbitals according to t he Aufbau P rinciple; "Aufbau," in
German, means "building up." According to this principle, electrons are filled in the following order: 1s,
2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 6s, 4f, 5d, 6p, 7s, 5f, 6d, 7p

Figure 1. The order in which atomic subshells are filled in a many-electron atom.

Hund’s Rule
Hund’s rule states that before additional electrons with opposite spins can occupy the same orbitals,
single electrons with the same spin must occupy each equal-energy orbital first. This is like the seats
on a bus – on a bus, you sit alone, rather than with a stranger, if you have the option.
Pauli Exclusion Principle
No two electrons can have the same combination of four quantum numbers. A maximum of two
electrons may occupy a single orbital, but only if the electrons have opposite spins.

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Table 1. Electron configurations of some lighter elements

It is apparent in table 1 above that the sum of superscripts of the ℓ values in the electron
configuration of an element equals to the total number of electrons of t he element. This is one way of
checking whether the electron configuration is incorrect or correct. The superscripts represent the
total number of electrons residing in the said orbital. There is only one s orbital since the value of ml is
only equal to zero. There are three 2p orbitals since the values of ml are equal to -1,0 and +1. It is
also being indicat ed in the table that orbitals of the same n values have the same energy and that
filling of orbitals should be according to the Aufbau’s principle, Hund’s rule and Pauli’s exclusion
principle. Note that p orbitals have higher energy compared to s orbitals.

Diamagnetism and Paramagnetism

The behaviour of an atom in relation to magnetic fields is influenc ed by its electron configuration. This
behaviour is also called as the magnetic property of an atom and is dependent on the number of
electrons an atom has that are spin paired. An atom with electrons t hat will be very slightly affected by
magnetic fields is called diamagnetic. The orbitals of this atom are all filled and therefore all its
electrons are paired wit h an electron of opposite spin. Neon is an example of a diamagnetic atom.
Conversely, atoms that do not have all their electrons spin-paired and are affected by magnetic fields
are called paramagnetic. Lithium and sodium are examples of paramagnetic atoms

What’s More (A)

Activity 2.1: Electron Configuration and Orbital Diagrams
Directions: Write the complete electron configuration of the following elements and draw their orbital
diagrams. State whether the element is paramagnetic or diamagnetic. The first one is done for you.

Number of Electron Magnetic

Element Orbital Diagram
electrons Configuration Property

Lithium 3 Paramagnetic

Oxygen
Fluorine
Bromine
Silicon
Zinc

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 What’s More (B)

Activity 2.2: Label it!

Directions: Label each part of the following notation of an outermost electron and state what each
part represents.

C
2
A 3s B

What I Have Learned

Activity 3: Boarding House Analogy
Directions: Imagine you are the landlord of a very strange boarding house. Your job is to fill the
rooms in the building in the most efficient way possible. The rules you have to follow are as strange
as the building because quantum mechanics is not like anything you might have ex pected. State what
electron rule is being applied in the situations stated in the left side of the table. Explain each rule.

Boarding House Rules Electron Rules

From the Bottom Up: Rooms must be filled from the
ground floor up. Fill the one room on the first floor
before starting to put new tenants on the second floor.
Then fill the s room before the p rooms. At higher
floors the order might change a bit.
Singles First: the owner of the building wants to have
the tenants spread out as much as possible. For that
reason singles are placed in rooms before couples. If
couples must be placed into a room then all of the
other rooms on that floor must already have a single
in them.
Opposite Gender Only: When two people are placed
in a room they must be of opposite genders. No men
may room together and no women may room
together. This is an arbitrary rule on the part of the
owners: in a just world we wouldn’t have to follow it.
But quantum mechanics has nothing to do with
justice.

What I Can Do
Activity 4: What are you eating?
Directions: Research about the ingredients of your favorite food. Identify at least two elements
present in the food and research about the properties and uses of each element. Fill out the table with
the needed details and answer the questions that follow.

FOOD NAME:

Electron Orbital Paramagnetic/

Element Properties Uses
Configuration Diagram Diamagnetic?

1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.

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Follow-up Questions:

1. Why is it important to be aware of the ingredients of the food you eat?

2. Based on your research, is your favorite food good for your health? Why?

3. Why is it important to gain knowledge on the properties and characteristics of some

elements?

SUMMARY

• All electrons have four quantum numbers which describe the location of electrons in
the electron cloud of an atom and can be used to determine the electron
configuration of an atom.
• According to the Pauli Exclusion Principle, each electron in an atom has an exclusive
set of quantum numbers and no two electrons can have the same combination of
four quantum numbers.
• The principle quantum number (n) describes the size of the orbital the electron is
residing. The azimuthal or angular quantum number (l) describes the shape of the
orbital. The magnetic quantum number (ml) defines the orientation of the orbital in
space and the electron spin number (ms) defines the direction that the electron spins
on its own axis .
• Electron configuration is the arrangement of electrons within the orbitals of an atom
to know more about an atom’s electronic property.
• The electrons in an atom fill up its atomic orbitals according to the Aufbau Principle;
"Aufbau," in German, means "building up." According to this principle, electrons are
filled in the following order: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 6s, 4f, 5d, 6p,
7s, 5f, 6d, 7p…
• Hund’s rule states that before additional electrons with opposite spins can occupy the
same orbitals, single electrons with the same spin must occupy each equal-energy
orbital first.
• Atoms with unpaired electrons in their electron configuration and are affected by
magnetic field are paramagnetic. Atoms with no unpaired electrons in their electron
configuration are diamagnetic.

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PERFORMANCE TASK: Make an infographic about the quantum mechanical structure
of the atom. (To be uploaded in the Google classroom)
Criteria:
 Content (Appropriate details support main idea) – 15 points
 Focus (All illustrations complement purpose of visual) – 10 points
 Visual appeal (outstanding use of color, design, and creativity) – 10 points
 Mechanics (Words are legible and free of grammatical errors) – 5 points

Assessment: (Post-Test)

Multiple Choice. Answer the question that follows. Choose the best answer among the given choices .

1. How many orbitals in an atom can have the 4d designation?

A. 9 C. 1
B. 5 D. 7
2. Which of the following combinations is allowed?
A. n=2, ℓ =1, ml= -1, ms= +1/2 C. n=3, ℓ =1, ml=-3, ms= -1/2
B. n=1, ℓ =1, ml= +1, ms= -1/2 D. None of the above
3. Which element has an electronic configuration of 1s22s22p5?
A. Carbon C. Fluorine
B. Oxygen D. Hydrogen
4. An electron in an f sublevel can have a principle quantum number of _______.
A.4 C. 1
B. 5 D. 8
5. Can orbital 3f exist?
A. Yes C. Maybe
B. No D. Not sure
6. Which element has an electronic configuration of 1s22s2p6 3s23p64s23d3?
A. Carbon C. Krypton
B. Vanadium D. Copper
7. Which of the orbitals has the highest energy?
A. 1s C. 2p
B. 2s D. 3s
8. Which of the following atom is paramagnetic?
A. Zinc C. Calcium
B. Krypton D. Potassium
9. In the ground state of a cobalt atom there are _____ unpaired electrons and the atom is _____.
A. 3, paramagnetic C. 2, diamagnetic
B. 5, paramagnetic D. 0, diamagnetic
10. Which of the following electrons described by quantum numbers (n, l, ml, ms) has the highest
energy?
A. (3,0,0,+1/2) C. (4,1,0,+1/2)
B. (3,1,‐1, ‐1/2) D. (3,2,0,+1/2)