Question

How many p-orbitals are occupied in a N atom?

Answer 1

A nitrogen has 3 p orbitals occupied by a single electron each.

Explanation:

• A nitrogen has 3 p orbitals occupied by a single electron each.

• The electron configuration for nitrogen is `1s^2 2s^2 2p^3`

• This gives us a total of 7 electrons, the atomic number of nitrogen. Neutral atoms have the same number of protons (atomic number) as electrons.

According to the Aufbau principle, s orbitals are filled before p orbitals.

• Quantum mechanics stipulates that for each energy level, the p sub shell contains 3 orbitals, px, py, and pz. These orbitals are oriented in alignment with x, y, and axis.

Finally, `Hund's` rule states that each orbital for a given sub shell must be occupied with one electron before pairing these electrons.

• One electron must occupy the px and the py and pz orbitals before a second electron occupies the px orbital.