Question

If one of the 3p-orbitals is half-filled in the neutral atom, what is the identity of the atom?

Answer 1

Clearly, you are talking about the element, `"chlorine"`. How did I know this?

Explanation:

We use the aufbau principle to specify the atomic configuration:

`1s^(2)2s^(2)2p^(6)3s^(2)3p^5`

In the valence shell there are `3s^2`, `3p_x`, `3p_y`, and `3p_z` orbitals. One of the `p` orbitals is presumed to be half-filled.