Questions: Posttest Select the correct answer. What does the Aufbau principle state? A. Electrons will be added to an atom in a random order. B. Electrons will be added to an atom starting from the lowest possible level or sublevel. C. Electrons will be added to an atom in a symmetrical manner. D. Electrons will be added to an atom only if the orbitals are different colors. E. Electrons will be added to an atom in order of their size. Reset Next

 Posttest

Select the correct answer.

What does the Aufbau principle state?

A. Electrons will be added to an atom in a random order.

B. Electrons will be added to an atom starting from the lowest possible level or sublevel.

C. Electrons will be added to an atom in a symmetrical manner.

D. Electrons will be added to an atom only if the orbitals are different colors.

E. Electrons will be added to an atom in order of their size.

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Transcript text: Posttest Select the correct answer. What does the Aufbau principle state? A. Electrons will be added to an atom in a random order. B. Electrons will be added to an atom starting from the lowest possible level or sublevel. C. Electrons will be added to an atom in a symmetrical manner. D. Electrons will be added to an atom only if the orbitals are different colors. E. Electrons will be added to an atom in order of their size. Reset Next
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Solution

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Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding the Aufbau Principle

The Aufbau principle is a fundamental concept in chemistry that describes the order in which electrons are added to the orbitals of an atom. According to this principle, electrons fill atomic orbitals of the lowest available energy levels before occupying higher levels.

Step 2: Analyzing the Options

Let's analyze each option to determine which one correctly describes the Aufbau principle:

  • Option A: Electrons will be added to an atom in a random order. (Incorrect, as the Aufbau principle specifies a particular order based on energy levels.)
  • Option B: Electrons will be added to an atom starting from the lowest possible level or sublevel. (Correct, this aligns with the Aufbau principle.)
  • Option C: Electrons will be added to an atom in a symmetrical manner. (Incorrect, symmetry is not a criterion in the Aufbau principle.)
  • Option D: Electrons will be added to an atom only if the orbitals are different colors. (Incorrect, color is not a factor in electron configuration.)
  • Option E: Electrons will be added to an atom in order of their size. (Incorrect, the Aufbau principle is based on energy levels, not size.)

Final Answer

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