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

What does the principal quantum number (n) represent?

Back

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

Front

What is the azimuthal quantum number (l)?

Back

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

Front

What are the possible values of l for n=3?

Back

For n=3, the possible values of l are 0 (s), 1 (p), and 2 (d).

Front

What does the magnetic quantum number (m_l) indicate?

Back

The magnetic quantum number (m_l) indicates the orientation of the orbital in space and can take 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, with possible values of +1/2 or -1/2.

Front

What is the shape of an s orbital?

Back

An s orbital has a spherical shape.

Front

What is the shape of a p orbital?

Back

A p orbital has a dumbbell shape.

Front

What is the shape of a d orbital?

Back

A d orbital has a cloverleaf shape.

Front

What is the maximum number of electrons in an s orbital?

Back

An s orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.