Dumb question about electronic structure

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    Electronic Structure
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of electron repulsion in relation to their spin orientations, specifically comparing the repulsion between electrons with parallel spins versus those with opposite spins. The scope includes theoretical aspects of electronic structure and atomic orbitals.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether electrons with parallel spin experience greater repulsion than those with opposite spin, or if the repulsion is the same.
  • Another participant draws an analogy to bar magnets to illustrate the concept of repulsion.
  • A different participant asserts that electrons with parallel spin do experience greater repulsion, linking this to the pairing of electrons in atomic subshells.
  • A follow-up question is posed regarding the comparison of repulsion between two orbitals: one with two electrons paired in opposite spins and another with two singly occupied orbitals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of electron repulsion based on spin orientation, with some asserting that parallel spins lead to greater repulsion while others question this assertion. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of repulsion in different orbital configurations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the underlying assumptions about electron interactions or the definitions of repulsion being used, leaving some aspects open to interpretation.

chriswwt
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I want to ask which type of the following would have a greater repulsion
electrons with parallel spin, electrons with opposite spin.
or it's just the same?
 
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Seems equivalent to asking what happens when two bar magnets are brought together?
 
Hi christwwt,

Electrons with parallel spin would experience greater repulsion than those with opposite spin. This is also the reason why electrons occupying the atomic subshells(1s,2s,2p,3s etc) are always paired in opposite spins.
 
thanks.
is that mean 2 orbitals with one occupied by 2 electrons and other with electron occupied singly,
and 2 orbitals both single occupied.
The repulsion between the latter one is greater than the former one?
 

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