Which of the following quantum numbers cannot be negative?
Practice Questions
1 question
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)
The principal quantum number (n) is always a positive integer (1, 2, 3, ...).
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: Which of the following quantum numbers cannot be negative?
Solution: The principal quantum number (n) is always a positive integer (1, 2, 3, ...).
Steps: 6
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.
