Which of the following set of quantum numbers is not possible?
Correct answer: B. Option B
- A. Option A
- B. Option B
- C. Option C
- D. Option D
Explanation
n=3 represents the third energy level, l=3 indicates an f orbital, m=-3 means the f orbital is oriented in a specific direction, s=+1/2 represents a spin-up electron. This set of quantum numbers is not possible. In the third energy level, the maximum value of azimuthal quantum number (l) is 2, so l=3 is invalid. Based on the explanations above, option B (n=3, l=3, m=-3, s=+1/2) is the correct answer as it contains an invalid value for the azimuthal quantum number (l). This option would have been correct if the value of l was smaller than the value of n i.e. less than 3.
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