DP Chemistry (first assessment 2025)

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Question 21N.1A.SL.TZ0.6

Date	November 2021	Marks available	[Maximum mark: 1]	Reference code	21N.1A.SL.TZ0.6
Level	SL	Paper	1A	Time zone	TZ0
Command term	Identify	Question number	6	Adapted from	N/A

6.

[Maximum mark: 1]

21N.1A.SL.TZ0.6

How many p-orbitals are occupied in a phosphorus atom?

A. 2

B. 3

C. 5

D. 6

[1]

Markscheme

D

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.