Problem Set: Atomic Models and Electron Configuration
Advanced Chemistry Series
April 18, 2026
Instructions
This problem set covers the nuances of the quantum mechanical model of the atom. You are
expected to apply knowledge of the Aufbau principle, Hund’s Rule, Pauli’s Exclusion Principle,
and Slater’s Rules for Effective Nuclear Charge.
1 Section I: Multiple Choice Questions
Q1. Which of the following sets of quantum numbers (n, l, ml , ms ) is not permissible for an
electron in a ground-state Manganese (Z = 25) atom?
(A) (3, 2, −2, +1/2)
(B) (4, 0, 0, −1/2)
(C) (3, 1, 1, +1/2)
(D) (3, 2, 3, −1/2)
Q2. Elements such as Chromium (Z = 24) and Copper (Z = 29) exhibit anomalous electron
configurations. Which statement best explains this phenomenon for Chromium?
(A) The 4s orbital has higher energy than the 3d orbital in all transition metals.
(B) Half-filled d-subshells provide increased stability due to electron-electron repulsion
minimization and exchange energy.
(C) The 4s subshell can only hold one electron when the atomic number is even.
(D) Chromium is a diamagnetic element and requires a d5 configuration to pair all spins.
Q3. How many unpaired electrons are present in a F e3+ ion (Z = 26)?
(A) 1
(B) 3
(C) 5
(D) 6
Q4. According to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, if the uncertainty in the position of an
electron is reduced, what happens to the uncertainty in its momentum?
(A) It decreases proportionally.
(B) It remains constant.
(C) It increases.
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(D) It becomes zero.
Q5. Which of the following species is isoelectronic with the S 2− ion?
(A) Cl
(B) Ar
(C) Ca+
(D) P 2−
2 Section II: Analysis and Calculation
Q6. Slater’s Rules Calculation: Calculate the effective nuclear charge (Zef f ) experienced by a
3d electron in a neutral Iron (F e, Z = 26) atom. Recall: For d or f electrons, electrons in the
same group shield by 0.35, and all electrons in lower groups shield by 1.00.
Q7. Orbital Mechanics: Explain why the 4s orbital is filled before the 3d orbital in the Aufbau
sequence, but electrons are removed from the 4s orbital first when a transition metal (like
T i or F e) forms a cation.
Q8. Quantum State Enumeration: For the principal quantum number n = 4, determine:
(α) The total number of subshells.
(α) The total number of orbitals.
(α) The maximum number of electrons that can have a spin quantum number ms = −1/2.
Q9. Magnetic Properties: Identify whether the following species are paramagnetic or dia-
magnetic based on their ground-state configurations:
(α) Zn2+ (Z = 30)
(α) Cr (Z = 24)
(α) N e (Z = 10)
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3 Answer Key and Explanations
Section I
• Q1: (D) The magnetic quantum number ml must be in the range [−l, +l]. For l = 2 (d-
orbital), ml cannot be 3.
• Q2: (B) Half-filled (d5 ) and fully-filled (d10 ) subshells offer extra stability. In Cr, an electron
is ”promoted” from 4s to 3d to reach [Ar]3d5 4s1 .
• Q3: (C) F e is [Ar]3d6 4s2 . F e3+ loses 4s2 and one 3d electron, resulting in [Ar]3d5 . All five
electrons in the 3d subshell are unpaired (Hund’s Rule).
• Q4: (C) ∆x∆p ≥ h/4π. As ∆x decreases, ∆p must increase to satisfy the inequality.
• Q5: (B) S 2− has 16 + 2 = 18 electrons. Ar has 18 electrons.
Section II
• Q6: calculation for F e (Z = 26) Configuration: (1s2 )(2s2 , 2p6 )(3s2 , 3p6 )(3d6 )(4s2 ). Target: 3d
electron. Electrons to the right (4s) do not shield. Shielding S = (5 same group electrons ×
0.35) + (18 inner electrons × 1.00) S = 1.75 + 18 = 19.75. Zef f = 26 − 19.75 = 6.25.
• Q7: While the 4s is slightly lower in energy in a neutral atom (allowing it to fill first), once
electrons occupy the 3d orbitals, the 3d subshell drops in energy below the 4s due to shield-
ing and nuclear attraction changes. Furthermore, 4s electrons are spatially further from
the nucleus on average, making them easier to remove.
• Q8: (a) 4 subshells (s, p, d, f ). (b) n2 = 42 = 16 orbitals. (c) Total electrons = 2n2 = 32.
Exactly half have ms = −1/2, so 16.
• Q9: (a) Zn2+ : [Ar]3d10 (All paired) → Diamagnetic. (b) Cr: [Ar]3d5 4s1 (6 unpaired electrons)
→ Paramagnetic. (c) N e: [He]2s2 2p6 (All paired) → Diamagnetic.