Question

Which of the following set of quantum numbers could be describing the electrons in orbit?

A) n=1, l=0, m=0, s=+1/2
B) n=2, l=1, m=0, s=-1/2
C) n=3, l=2, m=1, s=+1/2
D) n=4, l=3, m=2, s=-1/2

Answer 1

Each of the sets of quantum numbers provided in the question (A, B, C, and D) is valid and could describe an electron in an atom, complying with the rules for quantum numbers and the Pauli exclusion principle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking about the validity of a set of quantum numbers for an electron in an atom. Quantum numbers include the principal quantum number (n), angular momentum quantum number (l), magnetic quantum number (ml or m), and spin quantum number (ms or s). These quantum numbers must adhere to specific rules:

• n can be any positive integer.
• l can take on any integer value from 0 to n-1.
• m can range from -l to +l, including zero.
• s can be either +1/2 or -1/2, indicating the two possible spin states of an electron.

Thus, each of the options A) n=1, l=0, m=0, s=+1/2, B) n=2, l=1, m=0, s=-1/2, C) n=3, l=2, m=1, s=+1/2, and D) n=4, l=3, m=2, s=-1/2, comply with the Pauli exclusion principle and could describe the electrons in their respective orbitals.