Question

The magnetic quantum number has the symbol ml, and this value indicates the _____ of an orbital in space. The ml value is dictated by the value of _____.

A. spin; l
B. shape; n
C. orientation; n
D. orientation; l

Answer 1

The magnetic quantum number, denoted as ml, indicates the orientation of an orbital and is determined by the angular momentum quantum number (l).

Step-by-step explanation:

The magnetic quantum number, symbolized as ml, indicates the orientation of an orbital in space. Specifically, ml can take on multiple values depending on the angular momentum quantum number (l), which determines the shape of the orbital. For example, if the angular momentum quantum number (l) is 1, meaning it's a p-orbital, then the magnetic quantum number can have values of -1, 0, or +1, each representing a different orientation of the p-orbital in three-dimensional space. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is 'D. orientation; l'.