If one of the 3p-orbitals is half-filled in the neutral atom, what is the identity of the atom?

1 Answer
anor277
Feb 18, 2017

Clearly, you are talking about the element, "chlorine". How did I know this?

Explanation:

We use the aufbau principle to specify the atomic configuration:

1s^(2)2s^(2)2p^(6)3s^(2)3p^5

In the valence shell there are 3s^2, 3p_x, 3p_y, and 3p_z orbitals. One of the p orbitals is presumed to be half-filled.

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