MCAT General Chemistry Question 30: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 30
15. What is the highest-energy orbital of elements with electrons in the n = 3 shell?
- A. s-orbital
- B. p-orbital
- C. d-orbital
- D. f-orbital
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
When n = 3, l = 0, 1, or 2. The highest value for l in this case is 2, which corresponds to the d subshell. Although the 3d block appears to be part of the fourth period, it still has the principal quantum number n = 3. In general, the subshells within an energy shell increase in energy as follows: s < p < d < f (although there is no 3f subshell).