Practice question · Multiple choice
In a hydrogen atom the and orbitals have equal energy, but in lithium the lies lower. Why?
Hints
- Hydrogen differs from every other atom in exactly one respect.
- With several electrons, shielding and repulsion make energy depend on l as well as n.
Show the answer
C. Electron-electron repulsion splits subshells once more than one electron is present
Why
Hydrogen has a single electron, so nothing breaks the degeneracy and energy depends on alone. Add a second electron and repulsion plus shielding make the more penetrating lower than .
Practise Orbitals, Quantum Numbers and Electron Configuration
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