What type of orbital is designated by the quantum numbers n=3, l=1, and magnetic number=0 ?
1f
3s
3p
4p
give an explanation for answer
"ell" (l) = 0 are s electrons
"ell" (l) = 1 are p electrons
"ell" (l) = 2 are d electrons
"ell" (l) = 3 are f electrons.
So an elecron with n=3 and l=1 will be a 3?? electrons.
To determine the type of orbital designated by the given quantum numbers n=3, l=1, and magnetic number=0, we need to understand the significance of each quantum number:
- The principal quantum number (n) represents the shell or energy level of an electron. It can have values 1, 2, 3, and so on.
- The azimuthal quantum number (l) determines the shape of the orbital and can have values ranging from 0 to (n-1). It corresponds to the subshell.
Now, combining the given values (n=3, l=1), we know that the electron is in the third energy level (3rd shell) and the l value can be 0, 1, or 2.
- The magnetic quantum number (m) specifies the orientation of the orbital in space, and it can take values ranging from -l to +l.
Given that the magnetic number is 0, it means that the orbital is oriented in a way that it is neither an ml = +1 nor ml = -1 orbital. It indicates that we are looking for an orbital where the electron is arranged in a way that its magnetic quantum number is zero.
Now, we can determine the type of orbital by considering the possible combinations of n, l, and ml values:
- For the combination (n=3, l=1, ml=0), the orbital type is 3p. This is because when n=3 and l=1, it represents the third energy level (shell) and the p-type subshell, respectively. The ml=0 suggests that the orientation of the orbital is such that it aligns with the z-axis.
Therefore, the correct answer is 3p.
The quantum numbers n, l, and magnetic number provide information about the energy level, orbital shape, and orientation of an electron in an atom.
For the given quantum numbers n=3, l=1, and magnetic number=0, we can determine the type of orbital using the following rules:
1. The principal quantum number (n): It represents the energy level or shell of an electron. In this case, n=3 indicates that the electron is in the third energy level.
2. The azimuthal quantum number (l): It determines the shape of the orbital. The possible values for l range from 0 to (n-1). For l=1, the orbital shape is referred to as a p orbital.
3. The magnetic quantum number (m): It specifies the orientation of the orbital. The values of m can range from -l to +l, including 0. Here, m=0 represents the orientation along the z-axis.
Based on these rules, the type of orbital designated by the given quantum numbers is 3p.