2.8 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, shape, orientation, and spin.

Front

How many quantum numbers are there?

Back

There are four quantum numbers: principal quantum number (n), azimuthal quantum number (l), magnetic quantum number (m_l), and spin quantum number (m_s).

Front

What does the principal quantum number (n) indicate?

Back

The principal quantum number (n) indicates the energy level of an electron in an atom and its distance from the nucleus.

Front

What is the azimuthal quantum number (l) and what does it represent?

Back

The azimuthal quantum number (l) represents the shape of the orbital and can take values from 0 to n-1.

Front

What are the possible values of l for p orbitals?

Back

For p orbitals, the azimuthal quantum number (l) is equal to 1.

Front

How many orbitals are there in a p subshell?

Back

There are three p orbitals in a p subshell.

Front

What does the magnetic quantum number (m_l) represent?

Back

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

Front

What is the range of values for m_l when l=1?

Back

When l=1, the possible values for m_l are -1, 0, and +1.

Front

What does the spin quantum number (m_s) indicate?

Back

The spin quantum number (m_s) indicates the direction of the electron's spin, which can be either +1/2 or -1/2.

Front

What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a p subshell?

Back

The maximum number of electrons that can occupy a p subshell is 6.