Question

Assume that a P orbital is dumbbell shaped the two major lobes in a certain atom contains one electron. In which lobe is electron most likely to be found? Explain, indicating the principle on which the answer is based.

Answer 1

Answer:

See explanation

Explanation:

The p orbital is threefold degenerate. This implies that the p-sublevel is composed of three orbitals; px, py and pz.

According to Hund's rule, electrons occur singly when filling degenerate orbitals before pairing takes place. Since the three orbitals are degenerate, any of px, py or pz may be first filled.

If one lobe of any of the px, py or pz is first filled, the next electron must go into the next degenerate orbital. When all are filled, pairing of electron spins may now begin.