Question

When the value of the azimuthal quantum number is 3, the maximum and the minimum values of the spin multiplicities are:

• A. $4,3$
• B. $8,1$
• C. $1,3$
• D. $8,2$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $8,2$

When the value of the azimuthal quantum number is 3, the maximum and the minimum values of the spin multiplicities are 8 and 2 respectively.
$l=3$ corresponds to f orbital.
In an f orbital, the maximum number of unpaired electrons can be 7.
Hence, $S=\frac{7}{2}$.
The maximum spin multiplicity is $2S+1=2\times \frac{7}{2}+1=8$.
In an f orbital, the minimum number of unpaired electrons can be 1.
Hence, $S=\frac{1}{2}$.
The minimum spin multiplicity is $2S+1=2\times \frac{1}{2}+1=2$.