Section 2
Electron Configuration
Book
Version 33
By Boundless
By Boundless
Boundless Chemistry
Chemistry
by Boundless
5 concepts
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General Rules for Assigning Electrons to Atomic Orbitals
An atom's electrons exist in discrete atomic orbitals, and the atom's electron configuration can be determined using a set of guidelines.
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The Building-Up (Aufbau) Principle
The Aufbau principle determines an atom's electron configuration by adding electrons to atomic orbitals following a defined set of rules.
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Hund's Rule
Hund's Rule defines the behavior of unpaired valence shell electrons, providing insight into an atom's reactivity and stability.
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The Shielding Effect and Effective Nuclear Charge
The shielding effect, approximated by the effective nuclear charge, is due to inner electrons shielding valence electrons from the nucleus.
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Diamagnetism and Paramagnetism
Diamagnetic atoms have only paired electrons, whereas paramagnetic atoms, which can be made magnetic, have at least one unpaired electron.