Atomic sulfur, S, has a ground electronic configuration that gives rise to the levels ³P₂_,1,0, ¹D₂ and ¹S₀. Use Hund's rule to predict which of these levels is lowest in energy. A) ¹S₀ B) ¹D₂ C) ³P₀ D) ³P₂

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hund's rule states that for a given electron configuration, the term with the highest multiplicity (highest spin) lies lowest in energy. Among the given options, D) ³P₂ has the highest multiplicity, indicating it is the lowest in energy.

Atomic Sulfur, S, Has a Ground Electronic Configuration That Gives