Why each energy state is having only 1 electron?

In summary, the reason why each energy state can only have one Fermion or electron is because of Pauli's exclusion principle. This principle allows for two electrons with different spin states to occupy the same orbital. However, according to Fermi-Dirac statistics, only one electron can occupy one quantum state. This is because the complete quantum state of an electron includes both its energy state and its spin state, so there is no conflict. It is important to note that there is a factor of two in describing Fermi-Dirac statistics in the context of thermodynamics.
  • #1
Sampad Saha
15
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Why each energy state is having only 1 Fermion or electron instead of 2?
as we know fermions or electrons obey pauli's exclusion principal so 1 state can have two electrons with different spin (i.e if one spins up then second spins down) isn't it?
 
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  • #2
Each orbital can hold two electrons because they have two different spin states. The complete state of both electrons is not identical, so Pauli's exclusion principle doesn't prevent two electrons with different spin states from occupying the same orbital.
 
  • #3
jfizzix said:
Each orbital can hold two electrons because they have two different spin states. The complete state of both electrons is not identical, so Pauli's exclusion principle doesn't prevent two electrons with different spin states from occupying the same orbital.
Ya...I know 2 electron can occupy 1 energy state. But in Fermi-Dirac statistics there is mentioned that "only one electron can occupy one energy state"...!
 
  • #4
Fermi-Dirac statistics say that only one electron can occupy one quantum state.

The complete quantum state of an electron would include both its energy state and its spin state, so there's no conflict.
 
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  • #5
Note that there is a factor of two in describing Fermi-Dirac statistics in the context of thermodynamics and such.
 
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1. Why do energy states only have one electron?

The energy states in an atom can only hold a specific number of electrons, and this number is determined by the energy level and the type of the atom. Each energy state can only hold one electron because of the Pauli Exclusion Principle, which states that no two electrons can have the same set of quantum numbers. This means that each energy state can only have one electron with a specific combination of energy, spin, and orbital angular momentum.

2. How does the number of electrons in an energy state affect an atom?

The number of electrons in an energy state affects the atom's properties, including its chemical reactivity and stability. The number of electrons determines the atom's valence, or its ability to bond with other atoms. For example, atoms with a full outer energy state, such as noble gases, are chemically stable and less likely to form bonds. On the other hand, atoms with partially filled energy states are more reactive and tend to form bonds with other atoms to achieve a full outer energy state.

3. Why is the energy state with the lowest energy level filled first?

Electrons occupy the lowest energy state available because of the Aufbau Principle, which states that electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy. This is because electrons are negatively charged and are attracted to the positively charged nucleus. The closer an electron is to the nucleus, the lower its energy level, making it more stable.

4. How does the number of energy states affect an atom's electronic configuration?

The number of energy states in an atom determines its electronic configuration, which refers to the arrangement of electrons in the atom's energy levels. The electronic configuration of an atom is important because it determines the atom's chemical properties and reactivity. Atoms with a stable electronic configuration, such as noble gases, have fully filled energy states, while other atoms may have partially filled energy states, making them more reactive.

5. Can an energy state have more than one electron?

No, an energy state can only have one electron due to the Pauli Exclusion Principle. This principle states that no two electrons can have the same set of quantum numbers, including energy, spin, and orbital angular momentum. Therefore, each energy state can only have one electron with a specific combination of these quantum numbers.

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