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Ch.5 - Periodicity & Electronic Structure of Atoms
Chapter 5, Problem 111f

Given the subshells 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p and 3d, identify those that meet the following descriptions. (f) Can contain two electrons, both with spin ms = +1/2

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electron Configuration

Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. Each subshell can hold a specific number of electrons: s subshells can hold 2, p can hold 6, and d can hold 10. Understanding how electrons fill these subshells according to the Aufbau principle is essential for identifying which subshells can accommodate specific electron spins.
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Pauli Exclusion Principle

The Pauli Exclusion Principle states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers. This principle implies that within a given orbital, such as an s subshell, only two electrons can exist, and they must have opposite spins. This concept is crucial for determining how many electrons can occupy a subshell and their respective spins.
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Spin Quantum Number

The spin quantum number (m_s) describes the intrinsic angular momentum of an electron, which can be either +1/2 or -1/2. This property is significant in determining how electrons pair up in orbitals. In the context of the question, identifying subshells that can contain two electrons with the same spin (+1/2) is essential for understanding electron pairing and subshell occupancy.
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