Textbook Question
A certain orbital of the hydrogen atom has n = 4 and l = 2. b. What are the possible values of ms for the orbital?
9. Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Numbers: Spin Quantum Number
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Which of the following set of quantum numbers is possible for an electron in a set of 6f orbitals?
A
n = 6, l = 3 , mll = 0, ms = 0
B
n = 6, l = 2, ml = 1, ms = –1/2
C
n = 9, l = 1, ml = – 2, ms = +1/2
D
n = 6, l = 3, ml = 0, ms = +1/2
E
n = 4, l = 2, ml = –2, ms = +1
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the quantum numbers: n (principal quantum number), l (azimuthal quantum number), ml (magnetic quantum number), and ms (spin quantum number). Each describes a property of the electron's state in an atom.
Identify the correct values for a 6f orbital: The principal quantum number n = 6, and for an f orbital, the azimuthal quantum number l = 3.
Check the magnetic quantum number ml: For l = 3, ml can range from -3 to +3, including 0. Therefore, ml = 0 is a valid value.
Evaluate the spin quantum number ms: The spin quantum number can be either +1/2 or -1/2. The value ms = 0 is not possible, so it must be either +1/2 or -1/2.
Review the given options: The only set of quantum numbers that fits all criteria for a 6f orbital is n = 6, l = 3, ml = 0, ms = +1/2.
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