Question

A pair of electrons found in a 2p orbital will have which of the following set of quantum numbers?

a) {n=2, ℓ=2, m_s=1, m_s=+1/2, -1/2}
b) {n=2, ℓ=1, m_s=1, m_s=+1/2, -1/2}
c) {n=2, ℓ=3, m_s=3, m_s=+1/2, -1/2}
d) {n=2, ℓ=0, mₗ=0, m_s=+1/2, -1/2}

Answer 1

The correct set of quantum numbers for a pair of electrons in a 2p orbital is {n=2, ℓ=1, mℓ=+1, ms=+1/2} and {n=2, ℓ=1, mℓ=+1, ms=-1/2}, with each electron having an opposite spin quantum number.

Step-by-step explanation:

A pair of electrons found in a 2p orbital will have quantum numbers reflecting their energy level (n), angular momentum (ℓ), magnetic quantum number (mℓ), and spin quantum number (ms). The correct option from the given choices is {n=2, ℓ=1, mℓ=+1, ms=+1/2} for one electron and {n=2, ℓ=1, mℓ=+1, ms=-1/2} for the other electron. Note that mℓ can be -1, 0, or +1 for a p orbital, but must be the same for both electrons in a pair while their ms values must be opposite due to the Pauli exclusion principle.