Visualizing, Rather than Deriving, Russell–Saunders Terms: A Classroom Activity with Quantum Numbers

A 1 h classroom activity is presented, aimed at consolidating the concepts of microstates and Russell–Saunders energy terms in transition metal atoms and coordination complexes. The unconventional approach, based on logic and intuition rather than rigorous mathematics, is designed to stimulate discussion and enhance familiarity with quantum numbers in classes of chemistry undergraduate students.