Quantum number values for 3p orbital are:

Correct answer: B. n = 3 and ℓ = 1

  • A. n = 3, ℓ = 0
  • B. n = 3 and ℓ = 1
  • C. n = 2, ℓ = 1
  • D. n = 2, ℓ = 3

Explanation

The correct option is b) n = 3, ℓ = 1. The quantum numbers describe various properties of an electron's orbital in an atom. In the case of the 3p orbital, the correct quantum number values are n = 3 and ℓ = 1. Let's examine why the other options are incorrect: a) n = 3, ℓ = 0: This combination represents the 3s orbital, not the 3p orbital. The principal quantum number (n) denotes the energy level or shell, while the azimuthal quantum number (ℓ) indicates the shape of the orbital. The s orbitals have a spherical shape, which corresponds to ℓ = 0. c) n = 2, ℓ = 1: This combination represents the 2p orbital, not the 3p orbital. The principal quantum number (n) represents the energy level, and in this case, it corresponds to the second shell. However, the 2p orbital belongs to the second shell, not the third shell. d) n = 2, ℓ = 3: This combination is invalid because the azimuthal quantum number (ℓ) can only have integer values ranging from 0 to (n - 1). Since n = 2, the maximum value of ℓ can be 1, not 3. Therefore, this combination does not correspond to any valid orbital. To summarize, the correct quantum number values for the 3p orbital are n = 3 and ℓ = 1, as stated in option b.

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