Which of the following orbitals is the highest in energy?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
Which of the following orbitals is the highest in energy?
3s
3p
4s
3d
The 3d orbital is higher in energy than the 4s orbital due to its shape and electron repulsion.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: Which of the following orbitals is the highest in energy?
Solution: The 3d orbital is higher in energy than the 4s orbital due to its shape and electron repulsion.
Steps: 6
Step 1: Understand what orbitals are. Orbitals are regions in an atom where electrons are likely to be found.
Step 2: Know the different types of orbitals. The main types are s, p, d, and f, and they have different shapes and energy levels.
Step 3: Recognize the energy levels of orbitals. Generally, as you move to higher principal quantum numbers (like from 3 to 4), the energy increases.
Step 4: Compare the 3d and 4s orbitals. The 3d orbital is part of the third energy level, while the 4s orbital is part of the fourth energy level.
Step 5: Understand that even though 4s is in a higher principal energy level, the 3d orbital has a higher energy due to its shape and the way electrons repel each other.
Step 6: Conclude that the 3d orbital is higher in energy than the 4s orbital.
