Which of the following quantum numbers cannot be negative?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following quantum numbers cannot be negative?
Principal quantum number (n)
Azimuthal quantum number (l)
Magnetic quantum number (m_l)
Spin quantum number (m_s)
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following quantum numbers cannot be negative?
Step 1: Understand what quantum numbers are. They are numbers that describe the properties of electrons in an atom.
Step 2: Identify the different types of quantum numbers: principal (n), azimuthal (l), magnetic (m_l), and spin (m_s).
Step 3: Focus on the principal quantum number (n). It represents the energy level of an electron.
Step 4: Note that the principal quantum number (n) can only be positive integers: 1, 2, 3, and so on.
Step 5: Check the other quantum numbers: azimuthal (l) can be zero or positive, magnetic (m_l) can be negative, zero, or positive, and spin (m_s) can be negative or positive.
Step 6: Conclude that the principal quantum number (n) is the only quantum number that cannot be negative.
