For an electron in a 3p orbital, what are the possible values of m_l?
Practice Questions
Q1
For an electron in a 3p orbital, what are the possible values of m_l?
-1, 0, +1
0, +1, +2
-2, -1, 0
0, -1, -2
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
For an electron in a 3p orbital, what are the possible values of m_l?
Correct Answer: -1, 0, +1
Step 1: Understand that orbitals are defined by quantum numbers.
Step 2: Identify the principal quantum number n and the azimuthal quantum number l for a 3p orbital. Here, n=3 and l=1.
Step 3: Recognize that the value of l determines the type of orbital. For p orbitals, l=1.
Step 4: Determine the possible values of the magnetic quantum number m_l, which can range from -l to +l.
Step 5: Since l=1, the possible values of m_l are -1, 0, and +1.
Quantum Numbers – Understanding the quantum numbers associated with atomic orbitals, specifically the azimuthal quantum number (l) and its magnetic quantum number (m_l).
Orbital Types – Recognizing the characteristics of different types of orbitals (s, p, d, f) and their corresponding values of l.
