Question

How many electrons in an atom can share the quantum numbers n=2, l=1 and ml=1?

Answer 1

Answer : The number of electrons in an atom are, 2.

Explanation :

Principle Quantum Numbers : It describes the size of the orbital and the energy level. It is represented by n. Where, n = 1,2,3,4....

Azimuthal Quantum Number : It describes the shape of the orbital. It is represented as 'l'. The value of l ranges from 0 to (n-1). For l = 0,1,2,3... the orbitals are s, p, d, f...

Magnetic Quantum Number : It describes the orientation of the orbitals. It is represented as $m_l$. The value of this quantum number ranges from $(-l\text{ to }+l)$. When l = 2, the value of $m_l$ will be -2, -1, 0, +1, +2.

Spin Quantum number : It describes the direction of electron spin. This is represented as $m_s$ The value of this is $+\frac{1}{2}$ for upward spin and $-\frac{1}{2}$ for downward spin.

As we are given that,  $n=3,l=1,m_l=1$

So,

$m_s=+\frac{1}{2}\text{ and }-\frac{1}{2}$ (For each sub-shell)

From this we conclude that, $m_l=1$ that means there is one orbital that contains two electrons with opposite spin.

Hence, the number of electrons in an atom are, 2.

Answer 2

There 2 electrons in an atom can share the quantum numbers n=2, l=1 and ml=1. The correct answer between all the choices given is the last choice. I am hoping that this answer has satisfied your query about and it will be able to help you.