DP Chemistry (first assessment 2025)
Question 22M.1A.SL.TZ1.6
| Date | May 2022 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 1] | Reference code | 22M.1A.SL.TZ1.6 |
| Level | SL | Paper | 1A | Time zone | TZ1 |
| Command term | State | Question number | 6 | Adapted from | N/A |
6.
[Maximum mark: 1]
22M.1A.SL.TZ1.6
What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a p-orbital?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 6
D. 8
[1]
Markscheme
A
Examiners report
Question 6 was poorly answered as it asked for the number of electrons in a p orbital. Very few students gave the correct answer of 2. The majority chose answer C (6) for the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a p-orbital, rather than A (2). It appears candidates reflexively conflated p-orbitals with the entire p subshell in any given period.
Syllabus sections
Structure 1. Models of the particulate nature of matter » Structure 1.3—Electron configurations » Structure 1.3.5—Each orbital has a defined energy state for a given electron configuration and chemical environment, and can hold two electrons of opposite spin. Sublevels contain a fixed number of orbitals, regions of space where there is a high probability of finding an electron. Apply the Aufbau principle, Hund’s rule and the Pauli exclusion principle to deduce electron configurations for atoms and ions up to Z = 36.