How Do Three P Orbitals Affect Quantum Energies in Molecules?

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Three P orbitals in the same subshell can exhibit different quantum energies due to spin-orbit coupling and external electric fields, which lead to energy level splitting. In the context of atoms obeying the octet rule, the Pauli exclusion principle allows for two electrons per orbital, resulting in a total of six electrons across three P orbitals. The distinction between individual atomic behavior and molecular interactions is critical, as molecular bonding introduces complexities such as hybridization. Additionally, the angular momentum characteristics of orbitals influence their shapes and energy distributions, with P orbitals being more eccentric than S orbitals. Understanding these principles is essential for grasping the quantum mechanics underlying atomic structure and electron behavior.
  • #31
When you get to molecules its a whole different ball game, because your electron orbitals are no longer isolated to the atom, but you must include BOTH atoms. You start to have "bonding" orbitals and "antibonding" orbitals. This is why, for example, the emission spectra of (plain old oxygen) is different than it is for , (ozone), because the electrons in these molecules are allowed different energy levels

Didn't learn that until the day after.
 

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