Quantum Numbers
The principal quantum number (n) primarily determines which property of an electron in an atom?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Energy and size of the orbital
- Principal Quantum Number (n): This number identifies the main energy shell to which an electron belongs.
- Physical Significance:
- Size: As n increases, the average distance of the electron from the nucleus increases, thus determining the radial size of the orbital.
- Energy: For a hydrogen atom (or hydrogen-like species), n is the sole determinant of orbital energy (En∝−1/n2). In multi-electron atoms, it still primarily determines the energy level.
- Other Quantum Numbers:
- Azimuthal (l): Determines the shape of the orbital (s, p, d, f).
- Magnetic (ml): Determines the spatial orientation of the orbital.
- Spin (ms): Describes the intrinsic spin of the electron.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- atomic structure
- Topic
- quantum numbers
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Energy and size of the orbital
- Principal Quantum Number (n): This number identifies the main energy shell to which an electron belongs.
- Physical Significance:
- Size: As n increases, the average distance of the electron from the nucleus increases, thus determining the radial size of the orbital.
- Energy: For a hydrogen atom (or hydrogen-like species), n is the sole determinant of orbital energy (En∝−1/n2). In multi-electron atoms, it still primarily determines the energy level.
- Other Quantum Numbers:
- Azimuthal (l): Determines the shape of the orbital (s, p, d, f).
- Magnetic (ml): Determines the spatial orientation of the orbital.
- Spin (ms): Describes the intrinsic spin of the electron.
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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