Problem 87 - Chemistry: An Atoms-Focused Approach

Question

What is meant when two or more orbitals are said to be degenerate?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer: Degenerate orbitals are two or more orbitals that have the same energy level, typically found in the same shell or subshell of an atom. They are significant in atomic and molecular configurations because, according to Hund's rule, electrons will fill these orbitals in a way that maximizes total spin. This results in the most energetically stable configuration for the electrons in an atom or molecule.

Step 1: Definition of Degenerate Orbitals

Degenerate orbitals refer to two or more orbitals that have the same energy level. These orbitals belong to the same shell or subshell in an atom and can be found in both atomic and molecular orbitals.

Step 2: Example of Degenerate Orbitals

An example of degenerate orbitals can be found in the p-subshell of an atom. In the p-subshell, there are three orbitals: px, py, and pz, which have the same energy level. Since these orbitals have the same energy, they are referred to as degenerate orbitals.

Step 3: Significance of Degenerate Orbitals

The concept of degenerate orbitals is important when you study electron configurations and the distribution of electrons in an atom or molecule. According to Hund's rule, electrons will fill degenerate orbitals in such a way that they maximize the total spin. This means that an electron will fill an empty degenerate orbital before pairing up with another electron in a filled orbital, as long as the subshell allows for it (e.g., px, py, and pz in a p-subshell). This results in the most energetically stable configuration for the electrons in an atom or molecule.