Which orbital has the lowest energy in a multielectron atom? The quantum numbers are given as (n, , m_l). A)(3, 2, 1) B)(5, 0, 0) C)(4, 1,  1) D)(4, 2, 1) E)All are at equal energy.

Question

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In a multielectron atom, the orbital with the lowest energy is determined primarily by the principal quantum number, n. Within a given principal energy level, the orbital with the lowest azimuthal quantum number, l, will have the lowest energy. In choice B, the principal quantum number is 5 and the azimuthal quantum number is 0, indicating an s orbital. Therefore, this orbital would have the lowest energy. Choices A, C, and D all have orbitals with higher azimuthal quantum numbers, indicating higher energy levels. Choice E is not correct as different orbitals have different energies.

Which Orbital Has the Lowest Energy in a Multielectron Atom