COLLEGE PHYS. VOL 1 LLF W/MODMAST >IC<
COLLEGE PHYS. VOL 1 LLF W/MODMAST >IC<
10th Edition
ISBN: 9781323149454
Author: YOUNG
Publisher: PEARSON C
bartleby

Concept explainers

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 29, Problem 1CQ
To determine

Reason why electrons in the ground state of helium atom should possess opposite spin

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1CQ

No two electrons can be in the same state. Thus the two electrons in helium must have different spin.

Explanation of Solution

Ground state configuration of the helium atom is given by 1s2 since Helium atom has only two electrons. Both electrons have same principal quantum number (n=1), angular momentum quantum number (l=0), magnetic quantum number (ml=0).

According to Pauli’s exclusion principle no two electrons can have the same set of all four quantum numbers. Thus the spin quantum number (ms) of the two electrons in helium must be different.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Physics
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text
Physics
ISBN:9781133104261
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Modern Physics
Physics
ISBN:9781111794378
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Clement J. Moses, Curt A. Moyer
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
University Physics Volume 3
Physics
ISBN:9781938168185
Author:William Moebs, Jeff Sanny
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:9781285737027
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Glencoe Physics: Principles and Problems, Student...
Physics
ISBN:9780078807213
Author:Paul W. Zitzewitz
Publisher:Glencoe/McGraw-Hill