A

Aufbau (Building-Up) Principle

1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d... (filling order)
Quick Reference
Formula / Notation1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d... (filling order)
Also Known AsBuilding-up principle; Aufbauprinzip; orbital filling rule; electron configuration rule; n+l rule

What is Aufbau (Building-Up) Principle?

The Aufbau principle states that electrons fill atomic orbitals in order of increasing energy, from the lowest available orbital upward. The filling sequence follows the n + l rule: orbitals with lower (n + l) values are filled first. This principle, combined with the Pauli exclusion principle and Hund's rule, describes the ground-state electron configuration of atoms.

Formula & Notation

1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d... (filling order)

Other Names / Synonyms: Building-up principle; Aufbauprinzip; orbital filling rule; electron configuration rule; n+l rule

Properties & Characteristics

Orbitals fill in order: 1s < 2s < 2p < 3s < 3p < 4s < 3d < 4p < 5s < 4d < 5p...; follows n + l rule; exceptions occur in transition metals (Cr: [Ar]3d⁵4s¹; Cu: [Ar]3d¹⁰4s¹) due to half-filled/full d subshell stability; gives ground state configuration

Uses & Applications

Predicting electron configurations; understanding chemical reactivity; basis of periodic table structure; explaining spectroscopic data; foundation of quantum chemistry

Safety Information

No hazard — a theoretical principle.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Aufbau (Building-Up) Principle
Formula 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d... (filling order)
Synonyms Building-up principle; Aufbauprinzip; orbital filling rule; electron configuration rule; n+l rule

Frequently Asked Questions

The Aufbau principle states that electrons fill atomic orbitals in order of increasing energy, from the lowest available orbital upward. The filling sequence follows the n + l rule: orbitals with lower (n + l) values are filled first. This principle, combined with the Pauli exclusion principle and Hund's rule, describes the ground-state electron configuration of atoms.

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