Question:

The atomic number of an atom is 6. What is the spectroscopic notation of its ground state, according to Hund’s rules?

Show Hint

Hund's rules help determine the ground state term: maximum spin multiplicity (highest number of unpaired electrons) and the highest possible total orbital angular momentum (L).
Updated On: Aug 30, 2025
  • $3P_0$
  • $3P_1$
  • $3D_3$
  • $3S_1$
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

- The atomic number of 6 corresponds to carbon. According to Hund's rules, for ground state configurations, the maximum multiplicity (highest spin) gives the lowest energy state. For carbon ($1s^2 2s^2 2p^2$), the highest spin configuration occurs when both electrons in the $2p$ orbital are unpaired with parallel spins, leading to a $3P$ term. The lowest energy state is $3P_0$.
Thus, the correct answer is (A) $3P_0$.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Questions Asked in GATE PH exam

View More Questions