According to the Pauli Exclusion Principle, what is the maximum number of electrons in an atom that can have the exact same set of all four quantum numbers?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. None
- Step 1: The Pauli exclusion principle states that no two electrons in the same atom can have an identical set of all four quantum numbers (n, l, m_l, m_s). Step 2. Each unique state corresponds to exactly one electron. Answer: None (maximum 1 electron per unique set). Why not the others: Two electrons can share the first three quantum numbers if they have opposite spins; four electrons violates spin degeneracy; eight electrons is the octet shell rule.
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