Access free live classes and tests on the app
Download
+
Unacademy
  • Goals
    • AFCAT
    • AP EAMCET
    • Bank Exam
    • BPSC
    • CA Foundation
    • CAPF
    • CAT
    • CBSE Class 11
    • CBSE Class 12
    • CDS
    • CLAT
    • CSIR UGC
    • GATE
    • IIT JAM
    • JEE
    • Karnataka CET
    • Karnataka PSC
    • Kerala PSC
    • MHT CET
    • MPPSC
    • NDA
    • NEET PG
    • NEET UG
    • NTA UGC
    • Railway Exam
    • SSC
    • TS EAMCET
    • UPSC
    • WBPSC
    • CFA
Login Join for Free
avtar
  • ProfileProfile
  • Settings Settings
  • Refer your friendsRefer your friends
  • Sign outSign out
  • Terms & conditions
  • •
  • Privacy policy
  • About
  • •
  • Careers
  • •
  • Blog

© 2023 Sorting Hat Technologies Pvt Ltd

Watch Free Classes
    • Free courses
    • JEE Main 2024
    • JEE Main 2024 Live Paper Discussion
    • JEE Main Rank Predictor 2024
    • JEE Main College Predictor 2024
    • Stream Predictor
    • JEE Main 2024 Free Mock Test
    • Study Materials
    • Notifications
    • JEE Advanced Syllabus
    • JEE Books
    • JEE Main Question Paper
    • JEE Coaching
    • Downloads
    • JEE Notes & Lectures
    • JEE Daily Videos
    • Difference Between
    • Full Forms
    • Important Formulas
    • Exam Tips
JEE Main 2026 Preparation: Question Papers, Solutions, Mock Tests & Strategy Unacademy » JEE Study Material » Chemistry » Hund’s Rule

Hund’s Rule

Hund’s rule of maximum multiplicity, electron configuration and purpose, Hund’s Principle.

Table of Content
  •  

Hund’s Rule

Introduction

Hund’s rule can be defined as a largest total spin state of an atom which increases the stability of an atom. Hund’s rule is very reliable for determining the phase of a given excited electronic configuration. Friedrich Hund discovered this rule in 1925. Hund’s rule states that:

  1. Pairing of electrons in the orbitals to the same subshell (p, d,f ) does not take place until each orbital belonging to that subshell has one electron in each. 
  2. Every electron in all the subshells must be present with the same spin.

Primary rule is that pairing should be done when all the orbitals of the same shell are filled by one electron. After each orbital fill by the same spin electron pairing should be done. Quantum-mechanics,states the electrons are occupied in orbitals and are less effectively shielded from the nucleus.

Secondary rule is that electrons in singly occupied orbitals that are unpaired have an equivalent amount of spins. 

Body

Hund’s Rule Of Maximum Multiplicity

According to Hund’s Rule of Maximum Multiplicity, a given electron configuration falls lowest in energy. Consistent with this rule, electron pairing in p, d and f orbitals cannot occur until each orbital of a given subshell contains one electron each or is singly occupied. Before pairing up, the electrons enter an empty orbital. The electrons repel one another as they’re negatively charged. The electrons don’t share orbitals to scale back repulsion.

When we consider the second rule, the spins of unpaired electrons in singly occupied orbitals are equivalent.The theory behind this rule is  that, for a stated electron configuration, the best value of spin multiplicity has the bottom energy term. It says if two or more  orbitals having an equivalent amount of energy are unoccupied then the electrons will start occupying them individually before they fill them in pairs. It’s a rule which depends on the observation of atomic spectra, which is useful in predicting the bottom state of a molecule or an atom with one or quite one open electronic shell. 

Electron Configuration and its Purpose

Electron Configuration

The valence shells of two atoms that are in contact with one another will interact first. When valence shells aren’t full then the atom is the least stable. The chemical characteristics of a component are largely hooked into the valence electrons. Similar chemical characteristics are often seen in elements that have similar valence electron numbers.

The stability also can be predicted by the electron configuration. When all the orbitals of an atom are full, it means it is most stable. The orbitals that have a full energy state are the foremost stable, like noble gasses. These sorts of elements don’t react with other elements.

When atoms inherit contact with each other, outermost electrons of those atoms, or valence shells, will interact first. An atom is least stable (and therefore most reactive) when its valence shell is incompletely full. The valence electrons are largely liable for an element’s chemical reactivity. Elements that have an equivalent number of valence electrons often have similar chemical properties.

Electron configurations also can predict stability. An atom remains in its most stable form ( unreactive state ) when all its orbitals are full. The foremost stable configurations are those that have full energy levels. These configurations occur within the noble gasses. The noble gasses are very stable elements, they don’t react easily with the other elements. Electron configurations 

help in making predictions about ways in which certain elements will react and therefore the chemical compounds or molecules that different elements will form.

 

The multiplicity of a state of an atom can be defined as 2S + 1. Here,  S is the total electronic spin. A high multiplicity state is, therefore, an equivalent to a high-spin state. If the spin of every electron is 1/2 then the entire spin is one-half the number of unpaired electrons. Thus the multiplicity is the (number of unpaired electrons + 1). The nitrogen atom state has three unpaired electrons of parallel spin and the entire spin comes 3/2.  Therefore the multiplicity is 4.

 

Due to the low energy and increased stability of an atom, the high-spin state has unpaired electrons of parallel spin, which reside in several spatial orbitals consistent with the Pauli exclusion principle. An early explanation that was regarded as incorrect about lower energy of high multiplicity states that the various occupied spatial orbitals create a larger average distance between electrons. And this reduces the electron-electron repulsion energy. However, quantum-mechanical calculations with accurate wave functions showed a particular physical reason for the increased stability might be a decrease within the screening of electron-nuclear attractions. Thus, the unpaired electrons can approach the nucleus closer than the electron-nuclear attraction gets increased.

 

Hund’s Principle

This law states that an orbital cannot have all the electrons within the same spin motion, and the electrons are going to be in either positive half spin (+1/2) or negative half spin (-1/2). Hence,  argon’s electron configuration can be written as 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6. The 1s level can accommodate two electrons with the same n, l, and m quantum numbers. Argon’s pair of electrons in 1s orbital satisfies the Pauli exclusion principle as they need opposite spins. This determines different spin quantum numbers, One spin is +½. The opposite is -½.  The 2s level electrons have a separate principal quantum number to those within the 1s orbital. a few of 2s electrons differ from one another because they need different spins. The 2p level electrons have a special orbital angular impulse number from those within the s orbitals, hence the letter p instead of s. There are three p orbitals of comparable energy, Px, Py, and Pz. These orbitals are different from each other. All the Px, Py and Pz orbitals have a pair of electrons with opposite spins. The 3s level rises to a higher quantum number, and this orbital contains an electron pair with opposite spins. The 3p level’s information is analogous for 2p, but the principal quantum number is higher: 3p lies at better energy than 2p.



Conclusion:

Hund’s Rule will help predict the properties of atoms, as paired and unpaired electrons have distinct properties (particularly with magnetic fields). The outer shell electrons of atoms or valence shells interact when they come closer to each other. An associated atom is highly unstable (most reactive) when its valence shell is incompletely full. The valence electrons are most liable for an associate element’s chemical reactivity. Parts have the same range of valence electrons, and they have similar chemical properties.

 

An associate atom is most stable (unreactive) once its orbitals are filled with electrons. These configurations are found within the noble gasses, which are extremely stable and don’t normally react with one another 

 

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the IIT JEE Examination Preparation.

What is the significance of the term "maximal multiplicity" in relation to Hund's rule? ANS.

Ans. According to Hund’s rule, atomic orbitals tend to have more unpaired electrons to the extent that...Read full

What is Hund's rule in the first place?

Ans. It is known as Hund’s rule because he developed an empirical guideline for the organisation of el...Read full

What is Hund's first rule?

Ans. Essentially, Hund’s first rule states that the lowest-energy atomic state is the one that maximis...Read full

How many electrons can be accommodated in the first and second energy levels?

Ans. When it comes to electrons, the first shell can hold up to two electrons, the second shell can store up...Read full

Can you explain why Hund's rule is not true for the S subshell?

Ans. Because the S- subshell has only one orbital, Hund’s rule does not apply to it; however, the p, d...Read full

Ans. According to Hund’s rule, atomic orbitals tend to have more unpaired electrons to the extent that it is possible. A bigger number of unpaired electrons results in the greatest possible multiplicity. The rule of Hund can be characterised as one of maximum multiplicity, as a result.

Ans. It is known as Hund’s rule because he developed an empirical guideline for the organisation of electrons in degenerate orbitals that was based on experiment. In accordance with Hund’s rule, “in the orbitals of the same subshell, electrons are filled singly first before pairing begins.”

Ans. Essentially, Hund’s first rule states that the lowest-energy atomic state is the one that maximises the total spin quantum number for all of the electrons in the open subshell, which is the case in this case. Before double occupation occurs, the orbitals of the subshell are each individually occupied by electrons with parallel spins in each of their orbitals.

Ans. When it comes to electrons, the first shell can hold up to two electrons, the second shell can store up to eight (2 + 6) electrons, and the third shell can hold up to ten (10 + 6) electrons. As a result, the first energy level carries 2 * 12 = 2 electrons, whereas the second energy level maintains 2 * 22 = 8 electrons, resulting in a total of 2 * 22 = 8 electrons.

Ans. Because the S- subshell has only one orbital, Hund’s rule does not apply to it; however, the p, d, and f subshells have 3, 5, and 7 orbitals, respectively, and so Hund’s rule includes the p, d, and f orbitals.

Crack IIT JEE with Unacademy

Get subscription and access unlimited live and recorded courses from India’s best educators

  • Structured syllabus
  • Daily live classes
  • Ask doubts
  • Tests & practice
Learn more

Notifications

Get all the important information related to the JEE Exam including the process of application, important calendar dates, eligibility criteria, exam centers etc.

Allotment of Examination Centre
JEE Advanced Eligibility Criteria
JEE Advanced Exam Dates
JEE Advanced Exam Pattern 2023
JEE Advanced Syllabus
JEE Application Fee
JEE Application Process
JEE Eligibility Criteria 2023
JEE Exam Language and Centres
JEE Exam Pattern – Check JEE Paper Pattern 2024
JEE Examination Scheme
JEE Main 2024 Admit Card (OUT) – Steps to Download Session 1 Hall Ticket
JEE Main Application Form
JEE Main Eligibility Criteria 2024
JEE Main Exam Dates
JEE Main Exam Pattern
JEE Main Highlights
JEE Main Paper Analysis
JEE Main Question Paper with Solutions and Answer Keys
JEE Main Result 2022 (Out)
JEE Main Revised Dates
JEE Marking Scheme
JEE Preparation Books 2024 – JEE Best Books (Mains and Advanced)
Online Applications for JEE (Main)-2022 Session 2
Reserved Seats
See all

Related articles

Learn more topics related to Chemistry
Zeolites

Aluminium silicate zeolites are microporous three-dimensional crystalline solids. Zeolites have small, fixed-size openings that allow small molecules to pass through easily but not larger molecules; this is why they are sometimes referred to as molecular sieves.

XeF6 Molecular Geometry and Bond Angles

In this article, we will learn about the XeF6 Molecular Geometry And Bond Angles in detail. We also learn the importance of XeF6 molecular geometry and bond angles importance and much more about the topic in detail.

XeF4 Molecular Geometry and Bond Angeles

A general overview of Lewis Structure, XeF4 Molecular Geometry and bond Angles meaning, valuable XeF4 Molecular Geometry and bond angle questions.

XeF2 Molecular Geometry and Bond Angles

Let us learn about the molecule XeF2, its molecular geometry and bond examples, and XeF2 Lewis structure.

See all
Access more than

10,505+ courses for IIT JEE

Get subscription
Challenge Yourself Everyday
Attempt 2023’s and previous year’s JEE Main
Download Important Formulas pdf
Attempt Free Test Series for JEE Main 2023

Trending Topics

  • JEE Main 2024
  • JEE Main Rank Predictor 2024
  • JEE Main Mock Test 2024
  • JEE Main 2024 Admit Card
  • JEE Advanced Syllabus
  • JEE Preparation Books
  • JEE Notes
  • JEE Advanced Toppers
  • JEE Advanced 2022 Question Paper
  • JEE Advanced 2022 Answer Key
  • JEE Main Question Paper
  • JEE Main Answer key 2022
  • JEE Main Paper Analysis 2022
  • JEE Main Result
  • JEE Exam Pattern
  • JEE Main Eligibility
  • JEE College predictor

JEE Coaching Centres

  • JEE Coaching in Nagpur
  • JEE Coaching in Ranchi
  • JEE Coaching in Gorakhpur
  • JEE Coaching in Bhubaneswar
  • JEE Coaching in Vijayawada
  • JEE Coaching in Dehradun
  • JEE Coaching in Indore
  • JEE Coaching in Gurugram
  • JEE Coaching in Muzaffarpur
  • JEE Coaching in Varanasi
  • JEE Coaching in Jammu
  • JEE Coaching in Kolhapur
  • JEE Coaching in Bikaner
  • JEE Coaching in Delhi Lajpat Nagar
Predict your JEE Rank
.
Company Logo

Unacademy is India’s largest online learning platform. Download our apps to start learning


Starting your preparation?

Call us and we will answer all your questions about learning on Unacademy

Call +91 8585858585

Company
About usShikshodayaCareers
we're hiring
BlogsPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
Help & support
User GuidelinesSite MapRefund PolicyTakedown PolicyGrievance Redressal
Products
Learner appLearner appEducator appEducator appParent appParent app
Popular goals
IIT JEEUPSCSSCCSIR UGC NETNEET UG
Trending exams
GATECATCANTA UGC NETBank Exams
Study material
UPSC Study MaterialNEET UG Study MaterialCA Foundation Study MaterialJEE Study MaterialSSC Study Material

© 2026 Sorting Hat Technologies Pvt Ltd

Unacademy
  • Goals
    • AFCAT
    • AP EAMCET
    • Bank Exam
    • BPSC
    • CA Foundation
    • CAPF
    • CAT
    • CBSE Class 11
    • CBSE Class 12
    • CDS
    • CLAT
    • CSIR UGC
    • GATE
    • IIT JAM
    • JEE
    • Karnataka CET
    • Karnataka PSC
    • Kerala PSC
    • MHT CET
    • MPPSC
    • NDA
    • NEET PG
    • NEET UG
    • NTA UGC
    • Railway Exam
    • SSC
    • TS EAMCET
    • UPSC
    • WBPSC
    • CFA

Share via

COPY