Question

What are the acceptable sets of quantum numbers in an atom? List them as (n, l, m, s).

Answer 1

The acceptable sets of quantum numbers in an atom are represented by (n, l, m, s). These quantum numbers describe different aspects of an electron's behavior in an atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The acceptable sets of quantum numbers in an atom are represented by (n, l, m, s). These quantum numbers describe different aspects of an electron's behavior in an atom.

1. Principal Quantum Number (n): This quantum number determines the energy level or shell that the electron occupies. It can have integer values from 1 to infinity.
2. Angular Momentum Quantum Number (l): This quantum number determines the shape of the orbital. It can have integer values from 0 to n-1.
3. Magnetic Quantum Number (m): This quantum number determines the orientation of the orbital in space. It can have integer values from -l to +l.
4. Spin Quantum Number (s): This quantum number describes the intrinsic spin of the electron. It can have two values, either +1/2 or -1/2.

For example, in the n=3 shell, the possible sets of quantum numbers are (3, 0, 0, +1/2), (3, 1, -1, +1/2), (3, 1, 0, +1/2), (3, 1, 1, +1/2), (3, 2, -2, +1/2), (3, 2, -1, +1/2), (3, 2, 0, +1/2), (3, 2, 1, +1/2), (3, 2, 2, +1/2), and so on.