Question

There are four electrons in a dumb-bell shaped subshell. The minimum n value associated with the above electrons could be:

• A. $n=2$
• B. $n=3$
• C. $n=1$
• D. $n=4$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $n=2$

Dumbbell shaped sub shells contain $p$-orbitals and thus $l=1$. Therefore, the minimum value of $n$ has to be $2$ $($as $l$ value is $0$ to $n-1)$.