Quantum Numbers
An electron in an atom has the quantum numbers n = 3, l = 2, mₗ = −1, mₛ = +½. The electron is present in:
Select the correct option:
Solution
3d orbital
The principal quantum number n = 3 indicates the third shell. The azimuthal quantum number l = 2 corresponds to a d-subshell (l = 0 → s, l = 1 → p, l = 2 → d, l = 3 → f). Therefore, the electron resides in a 3d orbital. The magnetic quantum number mₗ = −1 specifies one of the five d orbitals, and mₛ = +½ indicates the spin orientation. The combination 3d is valid since l can range from 0 to (n−1), and for n = 3, l = 2 is permitted.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- atomic structure
- Topic
- quantum numbers
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
3d orbital
The principal quantum number n = 3 indicates the third shell. The azimuthal quantum number l = 2 corresponds to a d-subshell (l = 0 → s, l = 1 → p, l = 2 → d, l = 3 → f). Therefore, the electron resides in a 3d orbital. The magnetic quantum number mₗ = −1 specifies one of the five d orbitals, and mₛ = +½ indicates the spin orientation. The combination 3d is valid since l can range from 0 to (n−1), and for n = 3, l = 2 is permitted.
This easy difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter atomic structure, covering the topic of quantum numbers. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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