Question

Which one of the following represents an acceptable set of quantum numbers for an electron in an atom? (arranged as n, 1, m, and ms ) A) 3, 2, -2, -1/2 B) 3, 3,-4, 1/2 C) 3,2,0,0 D) 3,3,3, -1/2 E) 3, 4, 6, -1/2 A-2

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is A) 3, 2, -2, -1/2.

Explanation:

Quantum numbers represent different properties regarding the level, sublevel and orbital in which an electron is. There are 4 quantum numbers:

1. Principal quantum number (n): indicates the level of energy and gives information about the size of an orbital. It can only take positive and integer values, e. g., 1, 2, 3...
2. Angular quantum number (l): indicates the sublevel of energy and provides information about the shape of the orbital. Some common shapes are spherical (l=0) and polar(l=1). Shapes for bigger l are more complicated. l values depend on n values. l values can be integers up to (n-1). For example. if n = 2, l can take the values 0 and 1.
3. Magnetic quantum number (m): it gives information about the orientation in space of an orbital. It may take any integer value between -l and +l. For example, if l = 1, m can take values -1, 0 and 1, each one referring to an orbital p along a different axis in the space (x, y and z axes).
4. Spin quantum number (ms): it refers to the spin angular momentum of an electron and it can take 2 values:  -1/2 or +1/2.

A) 3, 2, -2, -1/2 is correct because it follows every rule.

B) 3, 3,-4, 1/2 is wrong because if n=3, l can only be up to 2, and l from -3 to +3.

C) 3,2,0,0 is wrong because ms cannot take the value 0.

D) 3,3,3, -1/2 is wrong because if n=3, l can only be up to 2.

E) 3, 4, 6, -1/2 is wrong because if n=3, l can only be up to 2, and l from -3 to +3.