Consider the following pairs of electrons:

(A) (a) ; (b)

(B) (a) ; (b)

(C) (a) ; (b)

The pairs of electrons present in degenerate orbitals is/are:

Question

Consider the following pairs of electrons:

(A) (a) ; (b)

(B) (a) ; (b)

(C) (a) ; (b)

The pairs of electrons present in degenerate orbitals is/are:

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Degenerate orbitals have the same energy, which in multi-electron atoms means same  AND same .

(A): Electron (a) is in 3p (), electron (b) is in 3d (). Different  → different subshells → NOT degenerate.

(B): Both electrons have  (both in 3d). Different  values but same subshell → degenerate ✓

(C): Electron (a) has  (4d); electron (b) has  (3d). Different  → NOT degenerate.

Answer: Option (2) — Only (B)

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