What is maximum number of electrons in an orbital with m (magnetic quantum number) = 3 ?
Correct answer: D. 2
- A. 6
- B. 4
- C. 3
- D. 2
Explanation
An orbital is specified by one value of the magnetic quantum number, m, and any one orbital can contain a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins. Although m = 3 requires an f subshell, it identifies one orbital within that subshell, not all seven f orbitals. The likely mistake is choosing a, 6 electrons, by counting the electrons in the complete f subshell.
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About Quantum Numbers
Quantum numbers describe an electron's energy level, subshell, orbital orientation and spin. You examine the principal, azimuthal, magnetic and spin quantum numbers, their allowed values, orbital capacity and how they determine electronic configurations and distinguish electrons within an atom.
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