Question

Write down a set of quantum numbers that describes an electron in a 5s atomic orbital.

Answer 1

An electron in a 5s atomic orbital can be described by the set of quantum numbers (n, l, m, s, ms) = (5, 0, 0, +1/2, +1/2).

Step-by-step explanation:

An electron in a 5s atomic orbital can be described by the set of quantum numbers (n, l, m, s, ms) = (5, 0, 0, +1/2, +1/2). Let's break down what each quantum number represents:

• n: principal quantum number, specifies the energy level or shell in which the electron is located (in this case, n = 5).
• l: angular momentum quantum number, represents the shape of the orbital (l = 0 corresponds to an s orbital).
• m: magnetic quantum number, determines the orientation of the orbital within a subshell (m = 0 for an s orbital).
• s: spin quantum number, describes the spin of the electron (+1/2 or -1/2).
• ms: spin projection quantum number, specifies the direction of the electron's spin (+1/2 or -1/2).