Electron Configuration Basics

I can write the electron configuration and draw molecular orbital diagrams for an atom using the Aufbau principle, Hund's Rule, and Pauli Exclusion Principle.

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We don't generate video — this one is by Socratica on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

1. 1

   The Aufbau Principle states that when determining the electron configuration of an atom, you must build up from the lowest energy levels.

2. 2

   According to the Pauli Exclusion Principle, each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, which must have opposite spins.

3. 3

   Hund's Rule states that every orbital in a subshell gets one electron before any orbitals get two electrons, and all single electrons have parallel spin.

“Vanadium has 23 electrons. Determine its electron configuration. Note that Vanadium is an exception to Hund's rule because of the stability of half-filled d orbitals. Show the full electron configuration and explain how Hund's rule applies (or doesn't apply) in this case.”

Sample answer included in the free materials