Question

The ground state spectroscopic term for \(^{17}Cl\) atom is:

• A. \( ^3P_0 \)
• B. \( ^2P_{1/2} \)
• C. \( ^2P_{3/2} \)
• D. \( ^2S_{1/2} \)

Hint:

Hund’s rules help determine the term symbol for the ground state of atoms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

For a chlorine atom (\(Z=17\)), the ground state configuration is \( [Ne] 3s^2 3p^5 \). The total spin quantum number is \(S = \frac{1}{2}\), and the orbital angular momentum quantum number is \(L = 1\) (p-orbital).
Using Hund's rules, the lowest energy state corresponds to \( ^2P_{3/2} \).