Question

What are the quantum numbers for the orbital 3px?

a) n = 3, l = 0, ml = 0
b) n = 3, l = 1, ml = 0
c) n = 2, l = 3, ml = 0
d) n = 1, l = 3, ml = -3

Answer 1

The quantum numbers for the 3px orbital are n = 3, l = 1, ml = +1 (or -1), and ms can be either +1/2 or -1/2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The quantum numbers for the orbital 3px are a set of values that describe the state of an electron in an atom. For the 3px orbital, the principal quantum number (n) is 3. This value correlates with the energy level of the electron and indicates that the electron is in the third shell. The angular momentum quantum number (l), which determines the shape of the orbital, is 1 for a 'p' orbital. The magnetic quantum number (ml) describes the orientation of the orbital in space, and for the px orbital, this value is -1, 0, or +1. For 'px', we specifically take ml = +1 (or -1, depending on the convention). Finally, the spin quantum number (ms) can be either +1/2 or -1/2, representing the two possible orientations of the electron's spin.

So, for the 3px orbital, the correct set of quantum numbers would be:

• Principal quantum number, n = 3
• Angular momentum quantum number, l = 1
• Magnetic quantum number, ml = +1 (or -1)
• Spin quantum number, ms = +1/2 or -1/2