To compare the energies of electrons in a multielectron system, we must consider both the principal quantum number (
) and the azimuthal quantum number (
).
In multielectron atoms, the energy levels are influenced by electron-electron repulsions, which modify the energy ordering compared to the hydrogen atom.
The general rule, called the "n+l" rule or Madelung rule, states that the energy of an electron in a multielectron atom is primarily determined by the sum of the principal quantum number (
) and the azimuthal quantum number (
). An orbital with a lower
(n+l) value has lower energy. If two orbitals have the same
(n+l) value, the orbital with the lower
value has lower energy. Now, let's analyze each set of quantum numbers: (A)
n=4,l=1 n+l=4+1=5 (B)
n=4,l=2 n+l=4+2=6 (C)
n=3,l=1 n+l=3+1=4 (D)
n=3,l=2 n+l=3+2=5 (E)
n=4,l=0 n+l=4+0=4 Based on the
n+l values, the order of increasing energy is: (C) = (E) Among (C) and (E), (C) has lower
value, so it is lower in energy: (C) Among (A) and (D), (D) has lower
value, so it is lower in energy: Thus, the correct order is: (C) The correct answer is Option C: $$ (\mathrm{C})