University Physics with Modern Physics (14th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321973615
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-361-0

Chapter 41 - Quantum Mechanics II: Atomic Structure - Problems - Exercises - Page 1403: 41.39

Answer

Three times the ground state energy.

Work Step by Step

Because of the Pauli exclusion principle, the electrons cannot all be in the same state. See Figure 41.4. The ground state can hold 2 electrons (one spin up, one spin down). The first excited state has a degeneracy of 3, and can hold 6 electrons. The second excited state also has a degeneracy of 3, and can hold 6 electrons. With 10 electrons, two electrons will be in the second excited state, which has energy $3E_{1,1,1}$.
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