Which of the following orbitals is the highest in energy?

Which of the following orbitals is the highest in energy?

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.

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