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russ4789
Feb 18, 2007, 08:52 AM
OK I'm trying to do my chem hwk and it says bromine has 35 electrons and 4 orbitals... but you can't fit that many electrons in 4 orbitals I just don't understand plzz help!!

Capuchin
Feb 18, 2007, 08:59 AM
2 on the first orbital, 8 on the 2nd, 18 on the third, 7 on the fourth.

you can put up to 18 on the 3rd and 4th orbital, because d-orbitals are allowed.

although it should be 1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^63d^{10}4s^24p^5 for a more complete answer

Capuchin
Feb 18, 2007, 09:06 AM
However by your question it doesn't sound like you are at the level of undertanding d orbitals, so just go with my first answer that there can be up to 18 on the third orbital :)