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| Source - C&EN |
Today's post was submitted by Katelynn J, one of my AP chemistry students. As a sub assignment after the AP chemistry exam, I had students submit two posts for this blog. I'll be posting them over the next few weeks.
During COVID-19, this cartoon was probably especially relatable, since everyone was trying to stay as far away from each other as possible. Of course, staying healthy and safe is much more important than adhering to the buddy system, but when going into two separate cars, you’re sure to miss your travel companion at least a little.
In this specific comic, however, the problem isn’t social distancing, it’s Hund’s Rule. On the rail, representing the shells of the QMM, electrons after first fill up all empty spaces before being able to double up, since this stabilizes the atom. The two electrons here trying to enter a car together would make the atom unstable, so it’s better they stay apart.
Katelynn added that "I learned that Hund has more than one rule! His rules are best for the ground state of an atom, and all three have to do with electrons," and she found this website helpful for further reading.
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