Question

The principal quantum number of an atom is related to the

• A. Size of the orbital
• B. Spin angular momentum
• C. Orbital angular momentum
• D. Orientation of the orbital in space

Answer 1

The correct option is A Size of the orbital

The principal quantum number, $n$, designates the principal electron shell. Because $n$ describes the most probable distance of the electrons from the nucleus, the larger the number $n$ is, the farther the electron is from the nucleus, the larger the size of the orbital, and the larger the atom is. $n$ can be any positive integer starting at 1.