The magnetic quantum number of an orbital defines:
The options are:
a) The size of the atom
b) The energy level of the outermost electron
c) The shape of the orbital
d) The spatial orientation of the orbital
e) The spin of the electrons in each orbital
d) The spatial orientation of the orbital
The magnetic quantum number of an orbital defines the spatial orientation of the orbital. This means that it describes the specific orientation or direction of the orbital in three-dimensional space. The options given are:
a) The size of the atom: This is incorrect because the size of the atom is not determined by the magnetic quantum number.
b) The energy level of the outermost electron: This is incorrect because the energy level of an electron is determined by the principal quantum number, not the magnetic quantum number.
c) The shape of the orbital: This is not correct. The shape of an orbital is determined by the angular momentum quantum number, not the magnetic quantum number.
d) The spatial orientation of the orbital: This is correct. The magnetic quantum number specifies the spatial orientation of an orbital within a given subshell.
e) The spin of the electrons in each orbital: This is incorrect. The spin of an electron is determined by the spin quantum number, not the magnetic quantum number.
Therefore, the correct answer is d) The spatial orientation of the orbital.