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NEET Chemistry QUESTION #7373
Question 1
The energy of an electron in the \(2p_y\) orbital compared to other orbitals is:
  • Greater than \(2p_x\)
  • Less than \(2p_z\)
  • Same as \(2p_x\) and \(2p_z\)✔️
  • Equal to 2s orbital
Correct Answer Explanation
Degeneracy of p-orbitals:
The three p-orbitals \((2p_x, 2p_y, 2p_z)\) are degenerate — they have exactly the same energy. This is because energy depends only on the quantum numbers \(n\) and \(\ell\) (in the absence of external fields). The magnetic quantum number \(m\) distinguishes their spatial orientation, not their energy.

Energy degeneracy is lifted in the presence of magnetic (Zeeman effect) or electric (Stark effect) fields.