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Electronic Configuration Assignment

The document discusses electronic configuration, which is the arrangement of electrons in an atom's orbitals and is crucial for understanding chemical properties and behavior. It outlines key principles such as the Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle, and Hund’s rule, along with examples of electronic configurations for various elements. The importance of electronic configuration is highlighted in predicting chemical behavior, explaining periodicity, and understanding bonding in compounds.

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9 views3 pages

Electronic Configuration Assignment

The document discusses electronic configuration, which is the arrangement of electrons in an atom's orbitals and is crucial for understanding chemical properties and behavior. It outlines key principles such as the Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle, and Hund’s rule, along with examples of electronic configurations for various elements. The importance of electronic configuration is highlighted in predicting chemical behavior, explaining periodicity, and understanding bonding in compounds.

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rayannuml313
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF MODERN LANGUAGES

LAHORE

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

ASSIGNMENT NO : 02

BY

MUHAMMAD RAYAN

BSCS-M1(1ST SEMESTER)

SUBMITTED TO : SIR AFTAB

SUBJECT : APPLIED PHYSICS


Electronic Configuration

Introduction
Electronic configuration refers to the arrangement of electrons in an atom's orbitals. It is
essential in understanding an element’s chemical properties, reactivity, and behavior in
bonding. The concept is based on quantum mechanics and follows specific rules such as the
Aufbau principle, Hund’s rule, and the Pauli exclusion principle.

Structure of an Atom
Atoms consist of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons
moving in specific energy levels or shells. Each shell consists of subshells labeled as s, p, d,
and f, which further contain orbitals where electrons reside. The number of electrons in
each shell is determined by 2n², where ‘n’ is the principal quantum number.

Rules Governing Electronic Configuration

1. Aufbau Principle
Electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level before moving to higher levels.
Order of filling: 1s → 2s → 2p → 3s → 3p → 4s → 3d → 4p → 5s → 4d → 5p → 6s → 4f → 5d →
6p → 7s → 5f → 6d → 7p.

2. Pauli Exclusion Principle


No two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers. Each orbital
can hold only two electrons with opposite spins.

3. Hund’s Rule
In orbitals of the same energy level (degenerate orbitals), electrons fill singly first before
pairing. This minimizes electron repulsion and stabilizes the atom.

Electronic Configuration of Elements


Electronic configurations are written in spectroscopic notation, which includes the principal
quantum number, subshell, and number of electrons in superscript.

• Hydrogen (H) → 1s¹

• Helium (He) → 1s²


• Oxygen (O) → 1s² 2s² 2p⁴

• Magnesium (Mg) → 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s²

• Iron (Fe) → 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d⁶

Exceptions in Electronic Configuration


Some elements deviate from the expected order due to stability factors. Notable exceptions
include:

• Chromium (Cr): Expected → [Ar] 4s² 3d⁴, but actual → [Ar] 4s¹ 3d⁵ (Half-filled d-orbital
stability).

• Copper (Cu): Expected → [Ar] 4s² 3d⁹, but actual → [Ar] 4s¹ 3d¹⁰ (Fully filled d-orbital
stability).

Importance of Electronic Configuration


• Predicting Chemical Behavior: Determines an element’s valency, bonding nature, and
reactivity.

• Periodic Table Arrangement: Explains periodicity in the periodic table.

• Magnetic Properties: Helps classify elements as paramagnetic (unpaired electrons) or


diamagnetic (paired electrons).

• Ionic and Covalent Bonding: Determines how elements form ions or share electrons in
compounds.

Conclusion
Electronic configuration is a fundamental concept in chemistry that explains an atom’s
structure, periodic trends, and reactivity. By following the principles of electron
arrangement, scientists can predict and manipulate chemical reactions, paving the way for
advancements in fields like materials science, quantum mechanics, and nanotechnology.

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