Aufbau Principle

Aufbau Principle and its Application in Social Physics Model

Overview of the Aufbau Principle

The Aufbau Principle governs the filling of atomic orbitals with electrons, outlining that electrons fill orbitals in ascending order of energy levels[^1^][1]. This principle plays a crucial role in determining the electronic configuration of an atom in its ground state[^1^][1]. Key features include:

• Order of Orbital Filling: Electrons occupy orbitals with the lowest energy levels first before moving to higher energy levels[^1^][1].
• (n+l) Rule: The energy level of orbitals is determined by the (n+l) rule, where the sum of the principal and azimuthal quantum numbers (n and l) helps establish the order of orbital filling[^1^][1].
• Order of Orbital Filling Sequence: The sequence for filling orbitals is established as 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, and so on[^1^][1].

Exceptions to the Aufbau Principle

Exceptions arise, such as in the electron configuration of chromium ([Ar]3d54s1 instead of [Ar]3d44s2), where stability factors like half-filled subshells contribute to the deviation from the principle[^1^][1]. Copper is another exception, with an electronic configuration of [Ar]3d104s1, emphasizing stability through a completely filled 3d subshell[^1^][1].

Application to Social Physics Model

In the social physics model, interactions among individuals follow a certain order akin to the Aufbau Principle[^2^][5]. Initial interactions may occur at lower energy levels (simple exchanges), progressing to more complex and higher-energy interactions as relationships develop[^2^][5]. Just as the Aufbau Principle promotes stability in atomic structures, adherence to certain interaction patterns and structures in the social model can contribute to network stability[^2^][5]. Stable networks are formed when individuals engage in interactions following a logical progression[^2^][5].

• (n+l) Rule Analogy: The (n+l) rule, determining the energy level of orbitals, finds an analogy in the social model, where the level of engagement and energy expended in interactions is influenced by various factors such as shared interests, goals, and values[^2^][5].
• Exceptions and Stability Factors: Analogous to exceptions in atomic configurations based on stability factors, the social model acknowledges that certain deviations from expected interaction patterns may occur due to factors like shared experiences, common goals, or specific individual characteristics[^2^][5].
• Evolution of Social Interactions: The sequence of orbital filling in the Aufbau Principle corresponds to the evolving nature of social interactions[^2^][5]. As individuals engage and connect, the complexity and depth of their interactions increase, mirroring the progression seen in the filling of atomic orbitals[^2^][5].
• Stability through Unique Configurations: Just as completely filled or half-filled subshells contribute to stability in atoms, unique configurations of social interactions and relationships contribute to the stability and resilience of social networks[^2^][5].

In essence, the application of the Aufbau Principle in the social physics model offers insights into the structured evolution of social interactions, stability factors influencing network dynamics, and the adaptability of individuals and communities in response to various social “energy levels[^2^][5].”

References

1. Aufbau Principle – Wikipedia[^1^][1]
2. Social Physics – Wikipedia[^2^][5]

Possible Influencers

• Thomas Hobbes: English philosopher who began to outline the idea of representing the “physical phenomena” of society in terms of the laws of motion[^2^][5].
• Henri de Saint-Simon: French social thinker who introduced the idea of describing society using laws similar to those of the physical and biological sciences[^2^][5].
• Auguste Comte: French philosopher widely regarded as the founder of sociology, who first defined the term “social physics” in an essay[^2^][5].
• Adolphe Quetelet: Belgian statistician who proposed that society be modeled using mathematical probability and social statistics[^2^][5].
• Alex Pentland: MIT researcher who presents the data-based method as a source of “reliable, mathematical connections between information and idea flow on the one hand and people’s behavior on the other[^3^][8].”