2 Atomic Physics questions - Pauli exclusion principle

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SUMMARY

The Pauli exclusion principle is fundamental to the structure of the periodic table, as it dictates that no two electrons in the same atom can occupy the same quantum state, thereby influencing electron configuration and the arrangement of elements. For atomic subshells, the maximum number of electrons is determined by the quantum numbers n (principal quantum number) and l (azimuthal quantum number), with specific capacities: 2 electrons for s subshells (l=0), 6 for p subshells (l=1), and 10 for d subshells (l=2). Understanding these principles is crucial for grasping atomic structure and periodic trends.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics concepts, specifically quantum numbers
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  • Knowledge of the periodic table and its organization
  • Basic grasp of the Pauli exclusion principle
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Homework Statement



Q1. Briefly explain the relevance of the Pauli exclusion principle for the structure of the periodic table of the elements.

Q2. What is the maximum number of electrons that can be located in an atomic subshell with quantum numbers n and L? Briefly expain your answer.

Homework Equations



Well, I know that the Pauli exclusion principle states that:

No two electrons in the same atom can ever be in the same quantum state. Therefore, no two electrons in the same atom can have the same set of quantum numbers.

The Attempt at a Solution



For the first question, I just don't really understand what answer they're looking for! I understand the Pauli exclusion principle, but I'm not sure of its relevance to the periodic table. All I can think of is that without it, all the electrons in the atom would simply fill up the lowest subshell? And then the elements would be arranged differently? :/ Or maybe there's something else I'm overlooking entirely!

For the second question, I'm also not sure what they're asking.
I know, for example, that the 1s, 2s, 3s (etc) subshells can fit a maximum of 2 electrons, and it's a maximum of 6 for the p subshells, a maximum of 10 for the d's. I don't know where n and L come into it though... shouldn't I be given actual numbers for 'n' and 'L'?

Any help is very appreciated!
 
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All I can think of is that without it, all the electrons in the atom would simply fill up the lowest subshell?
Subshell?
You are on the right track here. Without the exclusion principle, how would all atoms look like?

For the second question, I'm also not sure what they're asking.
I know, for example, that the 1s, 2s, 3s (etc) subshells can fit a maximum of 2 electrons, and it's a maximum of 6 for the p subshells, a maximum of 10 for the d's. I don't know where n and L come into it though... shouldn't I be given actual numbers for 'n' and 'L'?
The answer is a formula with n and l in it.
"s" corresponds to l=0, for example.
 

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