Carbon has an atomic number of 6, but the following orbital notation for carbon is incorrect. Explain the error in terms of the rules for electron arrangements.

Question

anonymous · Answer

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anonymous · Answer

Now I know the elections should be spread in the 2p boxes, and be spinning the same way. But I only see 2 elections, do I leave a box blank? Are they spinning clockwise or counter clock wise? Its clear my understanding isnt very strong :( any help is appreciated

aaronq · Answer

in the 2p subshell, there is 3 separate "boxes" (orbitals), where, in the picture 2 electrons are paired in the first box.

just separate those 2 electrons so there is one in each (you'll have an empty one, b/c theres 3 and you only have 2 e obviously)

it should be like|dw:1351464332539:dw| 

although, in which 2 of the 3 boxes you place electrons is completely arbitrary.