Question

Which of the following sets of quantum numbers represent the highest energy of an atom?

• A. $n=$ 3, $l=$ 1, $m=$ 1, $s=\frac{1}{2}$
• B. $n=$ 3, $l=$ 2, $m=$ 1, $s=\frac{1}{2}$
• C. $n=$ 4, $l=$ 0, $m=$ 0, $s=\frac{1}{2}$
• D. $n=$ 3, $l=$ 0, $m=$ 0, $s=\frac{1}{2}$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$n=$ 3, $l=$ 2, $m=$ 1, $s=\frac{1}{2}$

The series is: $3s<3p<4s<3d$
$larger(n+l)\Rightarrow higherenergy$
In case of same $n+l$,
$largern\Rightarrow higherenergy$
In option B, $n+l$ is 5, which is maximum out of other given options.