Electrons Can Sometimes Fill Orbitals in Manners That Defy Specified

question 75

Multiple Choice

Electrons can sometimes fill orbitals in manners that defy specified rules. If they do so, we say that the atom is in an excited state. Which of the following represents the excited state of an atom?

• A) 1s²2s²2p_x²
• B) 1s²2s¹2p_x¹2p_y¹2p_z¹
• C) both 1s²2s²2p_x² and 1s²2s¹2px¹2p_y¹2p_z¹
• D) neither 1s²2s²2p_x² nor 1s²2s¹2p_x¹2p_y¹2p_z¹

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Definitions:

Prefers

Indicates a choice or inclination for one option over others based on certain criteria or personal judgment.

Transitivity

In decision theory and economics, the concept that if option A is preferred to B, and B is preferred to C, then A should be preferred to C.

Kenneth Arrow

An influential economist known for his groundbreaking theories in risk, welfare economics, and his contribution to the general equilibrium theory.

Condorcet Paradox

The Condorcet Paradox describes a situation in voting theory where collective preferences can be cyclical, even if individual preferences are not, leading to a lack of clear majority preference.