Question

What is the smallest possible value of the principal quantum number n for an s electron?

Answer 1

The smallest possible value of the principal quantum number (n) for an electron in an atom is n = 1. This is referred to as the first energy level or the "1s" orbital, and it corresponds to the lowest energy state of an electron in an atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

In general, the value of n determines the size and energy of the electron orbital. The larger the value of n, the larger the size of the orbital and the higher the energy of the electron. The smallest possible value of n is therefore always 1, and it corresponds to the electron being in its lowest energy state.

Answer 2

The smallest possible value of the principal quantum number (n) for an s electron is 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The smallest possible value of the principal quantum number (n) for an s electron is 1. The principal quantum number determines the main energy level occupied by the electron, and it can have whole number values, starting from 1. The designation 's' refers to the sharp spectroscopic characteristic associated with this energy level.