What are the energy differences between the atomic orbitals of He and He+?

In summary, when comparing the energies of the 1s, 2s, 3s, and 3p orbitals for both He and He+, it is assumed that one electron is always in the 1s orbital. For He 1s2, the 1s orbital has a lower energy than in the case of He+ due to greater shielding, causing the 2s, 3s, and 3p orbitals to have higher energies. In He 1s1 2s1, the 1s orbital has a higher energy than in He 1s2, but still lower than in He+, while the 2s orbital has a lower energy. The electron in He+ is
  • #1
Chemist20
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Homework Statement


Compare the energies of the 1s, 2s, 3s and 3p orbitals for both the HE and He+. For He assume that one electron is always in the 1s orbital. State any other assumptions you have made


2. The attempt at a solution
I think:
He can be either 1s1 2s1 or 1s2
He+ has to be 1s1.

For He 1s2, the 1s orbital has a lower energy than in the case of He+ and since there is a greater shielding, this allows the 2s, 3s and 3p to rise in energy. Hence these have a higher energy than in He+.

For He1s1 2s1 is basically the same thing, only that now 1s1 has a higher energy than 1s2 but still lower than He+ and 2s1 has a lower energy than in the other cases.

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
In He+, you have 2 protons attracting one electron.
Does this mean that the electron is more or less tightly bound to the nucleus?
Is "tightly bound" a lower or a higher energy?

If you are just using a shielding model, then isn't He going to be basically like hydrogen?

(Does your model include spin-orbit coupling?)
 

1. What is the energy of an atomic orbital?

The energy of an atomic orbital refers to the amount of energy required to remove an electron from that orbital. It is also known as the ionization energy.

2. How is the energy of an atomic orbital determined?

The energy of an atomic orbital is determined by the principal quantum number (n) and the type of orbital (s, p, d, or f). The higher the value of n, the higher the energy level of the orbital.

3. What are the units of energy for atomic orbitals?

The energy of atomic orbitals is typically measured in electron volts (eV) or joules (J).

4. How does the energy of an atomic orbital relate to electron configuration?

The energy of an atomic orbital is directly related to the position of the orbital in the electron configuration. Orbitals with lower energy are filled first, according to the Aufbau principle.

5. Can the energy of an atomic orbital change?

Yes, the energy of an atomic orbital can change if the atom gains or loses energy. This can happen through processes such as absorption or emission of light, chemical reactions, or interactions with other particles.

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