When the value of principal quantum No: is n =2 the value of magnetic quantum number (m) is?
Correct answer: C. -1, 0, +1
- A. +1, 0, -1
- B. 0, +1, +2
- C. -1, 0, +1
- D. 0, -1, +1
Explanation
The Magnetic Quantum Number (m) specifies the orientation in space of an orbital of a given energy (n) and shape (l). This number divides the subshell into individual orbitals which hold the electrons; there are 2l+1 orbitals in each subshell, ranging from -l to 0 to +l. The azimuthal (or orbital angular momentum) quantum number describes the shape of a given orbital and is denoted by l. The values of l range from 0 to n - 1. The principal quantum number, n, describes the energy of an electron and the most probable distance of the electron from the nucleus (i.e. the shell number. In this case, n = 2, so l can be either 0 or 1, and m can then be either 0 or -1, 0, +1. This order is only found in C, so it is the correct answer. A and D also have the correct values but they are in the wrong order. The values in B are not possible.
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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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