of degenerate orbitals is that having the maximum number of unpaired electrons. Thus, the two electrons in the carbon 2porbitals have identicaln,l, andms quantum numbers and differ in theirmlquantum number (in accord with the Pauli exclusion principle). The orbital diagram for carbon, with an...
The aufbau principle is a nice example of the idea that nothing in science is completely proven. Even though it helps define the movement of electrons in many different situations, it is not applicable to absolutely every situation; until a theory seems possible that thoroughly disproves it, howe...
Despite the exceptions, the Aufbau principle is useful in chemistry courses where students discover the fundamental rules about the atomic structure and properties of elements. A chart or diagram may be used to show how the principle works for various example elements. This will usually show the ...