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When deducing n and l from a subshell label, which subshell corresponds to n=3 and l=2?

A) 3p
B) 3d
C) 3s
D) 3f

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The subshell that corresponds to n=3 and l=2 is the 3d subshell. The value of l determines the subshell label - l=0 is 's', l=1 is 'p', l=2 is 'd', and so on.

Step-by-step explanation:

When deducing n and l from a subshell label, the subshell corresponding to n=3 and l=2 is 3d.

This can be determined using the quantum numbers for principal quantum number (n) and azimuthal quantum number (or angular momentum quantum number, l).

For n=3, the possible values for l are 0, 1, and 2, which correspond to the 3s, 3p, and 3d subshells, respectively. Considering the values given, 3d is the correct subshell label

For the given quantum numbers (a) n = 3, l = 1; the electrons are found in the 3p subshell - corresponding to p orbitals of the third energy level

. For (b) n = 5, l = 3; this matches the 5f subshell - f orbitals of the fifth energy level. Lastly, (c) n = 2, l = 0; the electrons would be in the 2s subshell.

User Gavin Bong
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