Question

If I give you the following quantum numbers, you should be able to explain where the electron is within the atom, (3, 2, -2, +1/2 ).

a) The electron is in the third energy level, in a p-sublevel, in the 2nd orientation, and with a spin of -1/2.
b) The electron is in the second energy level, in an s-sublevel, in the 3rd orientation, and with a spin of +1/2.
c) The electron is in the second energy level, in a d-sublevel, in the 2nd orientation, and with a spin of -2.
d) The electron is in the third energy level, in a p-sublevel, in the 2nd orientation, and with a spin of +1/2.

Answer 1

The correct quantum numbers (3, 2, -2, +1/2) describe an electron in the third energy level, d-sublevel, with a particular magnetic orientation, and a spin of +1/2.

Step-by-step explanation:

An electron within an atom is identified by four quantum numbers: the principal quantum number (n), the angular momentum quantum number (l), the magnetic quantum number (ml), and the spin quantum number (ms). The given set of quantum numbers (3, 2, -2, +1/2 ) indicates that the electron is located in the third energy level (n=3), the d-sublevel (l=2), the specific orientation of the orbital with ml = -2, and has a spin represented by +1/2. Therefore, the correct statement about the position of the electron is option (d): The electron is in the third energy level, in a d-sublevel, in the 2nd orientation, and with a spin of +1/2.