What is the lowest energy level that contains d orbitals?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about atomic structure and the arrangement of electrons in energy levels or shells, specifically referring to d orbitals. We need to identify which principal energy level includes d orbitals and provide an explanation based on quantum mechanics.
Answer
The third energy level
The final answer is the third energy level
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is the third energy level
More Information
D orbitals begin to appear in the third energy level, specifically in the 3d sublevel.
Tips
A common mistake is to think that d orbitals might appear in lower energy levels such as the first or second, but they actually appear starting from the third energy level (n=3).