How Are Electrons Distributed Among Px, Py, and Pz Orbitals in Carbon?

In summary, the conversation discusses the electron configuration of carbon and how the 2 p electrons are spread in the px, py, and pz suborbitals. It is mentioned that these suborbitals have equal energy and can be named differently, but they are identical except for being mutually orthogonal. The concept of pairing energy is also brought up, which refers to the extra energy required to unpair the electrons and allow them to occupy different suborbitals.
  • #1
zachnorious
8
0
Hello I didn't get something about the AO.

i.e the electron configuration of C is 1s² 2s² 2p² . So we know that at the 2nd shell this has 4 electrons, 2 in s orbital + 2 in the p, right?
How do we find out how the 2 electrons of p are spread in the px, py, pz?

Thank you,
Panos
 
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  • #2
I mean since px,py,pz have the same energy is there any other rule that tell us how many electrons are in each p (px,py,pz) or is this different from element to element and each one has a characteristic px,py,pz for no specific reason?
 
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  • #3
Those suborbitals are of equal energy (x,y,z). Name them any way you want. They are all identical except that they are mutually orthogonal (in this case). Have you heard of pairing energy. How much extra energy does it take to unpair the electrons thereby allowing them to occupy different suborbitals?
 

FAQ: How Are Electrons Distributed Among Px, Py, and Pz Orbitals in Carbon?

What are atomic orbitals in chemistry?

Atomic orbitals are the regions around an atom's nucleus where electrons are most likely to be found. They are described by mathematical equations that represent the probability of finding an electron at a specific location around the nucleus.

How many types of atomic orbitals are there?

There are four main types of atomic orbitals: s, p, d, and f. Each type has a distinct shape and can hold a specific number of electrons. For example, the s orbital is spherical and can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.

How are atomic orbitals filled with electrons?

According to the Aufbau principle, electrons fill the lowest energy orbitals first before moving to higher energy orbitals. This means that the 1s orbital is filled before the 2s orbital, and so on. Additionally, each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons with opposite spins.

What is the significance of atomic orbitals in chemical bonding?

Atomic orbitals play a crucial role in chemical bonding. When atoms come together to form molecules, their atomic orbitals overlap and merge, allowing electrons to be shared between them. This sharing of electrons is what creates chemical bonds and determines the properties of molecules.

Can atomic orbitals exist independently of atoms?

No, atomic orbitals only exist as part of an atom. They are a fundamental part of the atomic structure and cannot exist independently. However, they can overlap and interact with other atomic orbitals to form molecular orbitals in molecules.

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