Quantum Numbers

Front

What are quantum numbers?

Back

Quantum numbers are a set of numerical values that describe the unique quantum state of an electron in an atom, including its energy level, angular momentum, and orientation.

Front

What does the principal quantum number (n) represent?

Back

The principal quantum number (n) represents the main energy level or shell of an electron in an atom, indicating its distance from the nucleus.

Front

What does the azimuthal quantum number (l) indicate?

Back

The azimuthal quantum number (l) indicates the shape of the orbital and is associated with the angular momentum of the electron.

Front

What are the possible values of the azimuthal quantum number (l) for a given principal quantum number (n)?

Back

The possible values of l range from 0 to (n-1). For example, if n=3, l can be 0, 1, or 2.

Front

What does the magnetic quantum number (m_l) specify?

Back

The magnetic quantum number (m_l) specifies the orientation of the orbital in space and can take on integer values from -l to +l.

Front

What is the spin quantum number (m_s)?

Back

The spin quantum number (m_s) describes the intrinsic spin of an electron, which can be either +1/2 or -1/2.

Front

How many orbitals are there for a given value of l?

Back

The number of orbitals for a given value of l is given by 2l + 1.

Front

What is the electron configuration of an atom with n=5 and l=2?

Back

The electron configuration for n=5 and l=2 corresponds to the 5d subshell.

Front

What is a paramagnetic atom?

Back

A paramagnetic atom is one that has unpaired electrons, which causes it to be attracted to a magnetic field.

Front

How many unpaired electrons does chromium (Cr) have?

Back

Chromium has 6 unpaired electrons due to its unique electron configuration.