Chemistry

Question Analysis
This question assesses the student's understanding of Hund’s rule and their ability to apply it to determine the electron arrangement in degenerate orbitals.

Key Concept Explanation
Hund’s rule states that electrons in degenerate orbitals (e.g., p³, d⁵) occupy separate orbitals with parallel spins first, before pairing up.

Step-by-step Solution
1. Phosphorus has 15 electrons; the 3p sublevel contains 3 electrons (3p³)
2. Apply Hund’s rule: Electrons will occupy separate orbitals with parallel spins first. Since ...