Question

The three electrons have the following set of quantum numbers:

X = 6, 1, −1, `+1/2`

Y = 6, 0, 0, `+1/2`

Z = 5, 1, 0, `+1/2`

Identify the CORRECT statement.

Options

• Y and Z have same energy.

• Y has greater energy than X.

• Z has greater energy than X and Y.

• X has greater energy than Y and Z.

Answer 1

X has greater energy than Y and Z.

Explanation:

According to the (n + l) rule, the higher the value of (n + l) the higher the electron's energy. 

The higher the value of 'n', the greater the energy for the same value of (n + l).

For X; (n + l) = 6 + 1 = 7

For Y; (n + l) = 6 + 0 = 6

For Z; (n + l) = 5 + 1 = 6

Thus, X has greater energy than Y and Z.