Where is the fifth energy level in relation to the fourth?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the fifth and fourth energy levels in atomic structure, specifically addressing their positions relative to the nucleus and the implications of quantum mechanics on these levels. The scope includes conceptual understanding and references to models such as the Bohr model and the Aufbau principle.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the fifth energy level corresponds to n=5 and the fourth to n=4, suggesting a relationship based on their distance from the nucleus, but expresses uncertainty about orbital counts.
  • Another participant questions the clarity of the original question, finding the phrasing "Where is" ambiguous and unclear.
  • A participant notes that in general chemistry, n=5 is considered "further" from the nucleus, but this understanding changes with the introduction of d and f orbitals, which may extend beyond n=6s.
  • References to a chart related to electron shells and the Aufbau principle are made, although the specific name of the chart is not recalled by participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the clarity of the original question and the implications of energy levels, indicating that multiple competing interpretations exist without a consensus on the matter.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about energy levels and orbitals, as well as the ambiguity in the phrasing of the original question, which affects the clarity of the responses.

Tonia
Messages
96
Reaction score
0
Where is the fifth energy level in relation to the fourth energy level? Well, it shows that energy level five is at n= 5 and energy level four is at n=4 away from the nucleus, so that means that the fifth energy level is at the 16th orbital and energy level four is at the 25th orbital?? I am not exactly sure how to answer this.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
http://www.aplusinhometutors.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/electron-shells.jpg
Electron-Shells.png

I forgot what this chart is called and my chem books are packed away so just draw a bohr model with it's sub shells and count them.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thankyou
 
thankz said:
I forgot what this chart is called

It shows Aufbau principle.

The original question - as asked - doesn't make much sense to me. "Where is" is so ambiguous I have no idea what this question really asks.
 
In general chem it is explained that n=5 is "further" out from the nucleus. This is generally true until the d and f orbitalscare discussed. These orbital are "further" from the nucleus than n=6s. In physical chem the quantum mechanical model takes over and these distinctions are somewhat less assured.
 
thankz said:
http://www.aplusinhometutors.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/electron-shells.jpg
Electron-Shells.png

I forgot what this chart is called and my chem books are packed away so just draw a bohr model with it's sub shells and count them.

Lewis electronic distribuition?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
TwistyBR said:
Lewis electronic distribuition?

Have you read the thread?
 
Borek said:
Have you read the thread?
Well, sorry
 

Similar threads

What is the difference between valence and conduction bands in metals?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Do you graph the energy levels of a ##1s^1## atom the same as a ##1s^2## atom?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
Undergrad Electromagnetic radiation, photons, quantized energy levels
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Where Does the Energy for Ionic Bonding Come From?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad Photon Emitted without Changing Energy Levels
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Undergrad Stimulated Emission & Emitted photon direction
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
In how many ways can 5 prizes be given away to 4 boys?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Undergrad Four Questions on vacuum phase transitions in the Universe...
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
What is the significance of the absolute HOMO in spectroscopy?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School How does the hydrogen line spectrum work with only one orbit?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K