Question

An electron is in one of the 3rd-orbitals. What are the possible values of n, l and m for this electron?

• A. n=3, l=0, $m_1=0$
• B. n=3, l=1, $m_1=-1,0+1$
• C. n=3, l=2, $m_1=-2,-1,0,+1,+2$
• D. n=3, l=3, $m_1=-3,-2,-1,0,+1,+2,+3$

Answer 1

The correct option is C n=3, l=2, $m_1=-2,-1,0,+1,+2$

For 3rd-orbitals, principle quantum number, $n=3$

For $n^{th}$ orbital possible values of azimuthal quantum number, l are from 0 to $(n-1)$. Total of n values as $l=0,1,2$

Magnetic quantum number $m_l$ have values from $-l$ to $+l$ and total of $2l+1$ values.

For n=3, possible values of $l$ and $m_l$ are:

$m_l=-2,-1,0,1,2$ for $l=2$

$m_l=-1,0,1$ for $l=1$

$m_l=0$ for $l=0$