Question

The correct set of quantum numbers for the unpaired electron of a chlorine atom is:

• A. $2,0,0,+\frac{1}{2}$
• B. $2,1,-1,+\frac{1}{2}$
• C. $3,1,1,\pm \frac{1}{2}$
• D. $3,0,0,\pm \frac{1}{2}$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$3,1,1,\pm \frac{1}{2}$

The correct set of quantum numbers for the unpaired electron of a chlorine atom is $3,1,1,\pm \frac{1}{2}$.
For chlorine atom ($Z=17$), the last electron enters into 3p orbital for which $n=3$, $l=1$, $m=-1,0$ or $+1$ and $s=\pm \frac{1}{2}$.