molecular orbitals

[dentalwhiz]

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shouldnt 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 2p2 have four unpaired electrons because the S-orbital electron moves to the empty p-orbital to stabilize it?

EDIT: After some research it seems the aufbau principle only occurs in the d orbital, is that true?

 

[artist2022]

shouldnt 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 2p2 have four unpaired electrons because the S-orbital electron moves to the empty p-orbital to stabilize it?

No. That only happens when there are d orbitals. Doesn't apply to p orbitals.
ex. if it was (n-1)d4, then an e- would move from the s orbital to make it ns1 (n-1)d5
And of course n is the principle quantum number.
Hope this helps 🙂

 

[dentalwhiz]

No. That only happens when there are d and f orbitals. Doesn't apply to p orbitals.
ex. if it was #d4, then an e- would move from the s orbital to make it #s1 #d5
if it was #f6, then an e- would move from the s orbital to make it #s1 #f7.
Hope this helps 🙂

OHHH I see why I'm confused. I am confusing the fact that nitrogen has a higher I.E> than oxygen because its half filled p-orbital. I somehow mixed that up with the aufbau principle. THANKS!