Dumb question about electronic structure

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    Electronic Structure
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SUMMARY

Electrons with parallel spin experience greater repulsion compared to those with opposite spin. This principle explains why electrons in atomic subshells, such as 1s, 2s, and 2p, are paired with opposite spins. The discussion clarifies that two orbitals with one occupied by two electrons (paired) and another occupied singly will have less repulsion than two orbitals both singly occupied. This understanding is crucial for grasping electron behavior in atomic structures.

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  • Understanding of electron spin and its implications in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with atomic subshells (1s, 2s, 2p, etc.)
  • Basic knowledge of repulsion forces in physics
  • Concept of orbital occupancy in atomic theory
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  • Research the Pauli Exclusion Principle and its role in electron configuration
  • Study the concept of electron repulsion in multi-electron atoms
  • Learn about Hund's Rule and its application in orbital filling
  • Explore quantum mechanics principles related to electron spin and magnetism
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Students of chemistry, physicists, and anyone interested in atomic structure and electron behavior in quantum mechanics.

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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