Question

Which set of four quantum numbers corresponds to an electron in a 4f orbital?

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

Answer 1

The set of four quantum numbers that corresponds to an electron in a 4f orbital is n = 4, l = 3, m = 2, s = -1/2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The set of four quantum numbers that corresponds to an electron in a 4f orbital is option A) n = 4, l = 3, m = 2, s = -1/2.

The first quantum number, n, represents the principal energy level and can have positive integer values. In this case, n = 4.

The second quantum number, l, represents the azimuthal quantum number and determines the shape of the orbital. For a 4f orbital, l = 3.

The third quantum number, m, represents the magnetic quantum number and determines the orientation of the orbital in space. For a 4f orbital, m = 2.

The fourth quantum number, s, represents the spin quantum number and determines the spin of the electron. It can have a value of either +1/2 or -1/2. For the 4f orbital, s = -1/2.