Quantum numbers & atomic structure

Question 1

What does the principal quantum number (𝑛) determine?

Answer 1

Orbital energy level in a one‐electron system

The principal quantum number can take positive integer values: 1, 2, 3, etc.

Question 2

What are the possible values for the azimuthal quantum number (𝑙)?

Answer 2

0 to 𝑛−1

The values of 𝑙 correspond to different types of orbitals: 0 = s, 1 = p, 2 = d, 3 = f.

Question 3

What does the magnetic quantum number (𝑚𝑙) indicate?

Answer 3

The orientation of the orbital

The values range from −𝑙 to +𝑙.

Question 4

What are the possible values for the spin quantum number (𝑚𝑠)?

Answer 4

+½ or −½ for each electron

This indicates the two possible spin states of an electron.

Question 5

Describe the shape and capacity of an s orbital.

Answer 5

Spherical shape; 1 orbital per s subshell

Each s orbital can hold up to 2 electrons.

Question 6

Describe the shape and capacity of a p orbital.

Answer 6

Dumbbell shape; 3 orbitals per p subshell

Each p orbital can hold up to 2 electrons.

Question 7

What is the capacity of a d orbital?

Answer 7

5 orbitals

Each d orbital can hold up to 2 electrons.

Question 8

What is the capacity of an f orbital?

Answer 8

7 orbitals

Each f orbital can hold up to 2 electrons.

Question 9

What is the electron configuration for Nitrogen (Z=7)?

Answer 9

1s² 2s² 2p³

This notation represents the distribution of electrons in an atom.

Question 10

True or False: Some transition metals deviate slightly in their electron configurations.

Answer 10

True

Examples include Chromium (Cr) and Copper (Cu), which show slight deviations from typical patterns.