Hund's Rule
What is Hund's Rule?
Hund's rule states that when filling degenerate orbitals (orbitals of equal energy), electrons occupy each orbital singly with parallel spins before any pairing occurs. This arrangement minimizes electron-electron repulsion and results in the most stable electronic configuration for an atom or ion. Hund's rule is essential for correctly writing electron configurations and explains the magnetic properties of many atoms and molecules.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Hund's rule states that when filling degenerate orbitals (orbitals of equal energy), electrons occupy each orbital singly with parallel spins before any pairing occurs. This arrangement minimizes electron-electron repulsion and results in the most stable electronic configuration for an atom or ion. Hund's rule is essential for correctly writing electron configurations and explains the magnetic properties of many atoms and molecules.