How many orbitals in an atom can have each of the following designations?
(a) 3p
(b) n=1
There cn be three p orbitals, no matter where they are.
There can be 1 orbital for n=1 (and 2 s electrons can fit there).
To determine the number of orbitals with a specific designation in an atom, you need to understand the notations used to describe electron orbitals.
(a) 3p Designation:
In this case, the first number "3" represents the principal quantum number (n) that indicates the energy level or shell of the orbital. The letter "p" represents the orbital angular momentum quantum number (l), which specifies the shape of the orbital.
For the p orbitals, there are three possible orientations: px, py, and pz. Each orientation represents a different orbital in the same energy level. Hence, the designation 3p refers to three orbitals.
(b) n=1 Designation:
In this case, "n=1" represents the principal quantum number, indicating the first energy level or shell of the orbital. The principal quantum number for the first shell is always 1.
For the first shell (n=1), there is only one possible orbital, s orbital. Therefore, the designation n=1 refers to one orbital.
In summary:
(a) The 3p designation represents three orbitals.
(b) The n=1 designation represents one orbital.