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From the following pairs of electrons described by their quantum numbers, identify the pair(s) that occupy degenerate orbitals: (P) Electron a: n=3, l=2, ml=-2, ms=-1/2 and Electron b: n=3, l=2, ml=-1, ms=-1/2 (Q) Electron a: n=3, l=1, ml=1, ms=+1/2 and Electron b: n=3, l=2, ml=1, ms=+1/2
- Pair P: both electrons have n=3, l=2 (both in 3d), so they are degenerate
- Pair Q: electrons have n=3, l=1 and n=3, l=2 respectively, so they are not degenerate
- Both pairs are degenerate
- Neither pair is degenerate
Correct answer: Pair P: both electrons have n=3, l=2 (both in 3d), so they are degenerate
Solution
Pair P has both electrons in the 3d subshell (n=3, l=2), making them degenerate. Pair Q has one electron in 3p (n=3, l=1) and another in 3d (n=3, l=2), which are different subshells and therefore not degenerate.
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