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) indicates the main energy level or shell of an electron in an atom, with possible values of n being positive integers (1, 2, 3, ...).

Front

What does the azimuthal quantum number (l) indicate?

Back

The azimuthal quantum number (l) indicates the shape of the orbital and can take on integer values from 0 to n-1. For example, l=0 corresponds to an s orbital, l=1 to a p orbital, l=2 to a d orbital, and l=3 to an f orbital.

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 the formula 2l + 1.

Front

What is the magnetic quantum number (ml)?

Back

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

Front

What is the spin quantum number (ms)?

Back

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

Front

What is the maximum number of electrons in a shell?

Back

The maximum number of electrons in a shell is given by the formula 2n².

Front

How many orbitals are in the n=5 energy level?

Back

The n=5 energy level has a total of 25 orbitals (from l=0 to l=4).

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

What is a diamagnetic atom?

Back

A diamagnetic atom is one that has all paired electrons, resulting in no net magnetic moment and causing it to be repelled by a magnetic field.