Final answer:
The last quantum number s is known as the spin quantum number, which represents the direction of the electron's spin, with the possible values of +0.5 or -0.5, making the correct answer b) Spin quantum number; direction of the electron's spin; +0.5, -0.5.
Step-by-step explanation:
The last quantum number s is known as the spin quantum number and represents the direction of the electron's spin. It is given the numerical values of +1/2 or -1/2. This means the correct answer is b) Spin quantum number; direction of the electron's spin; +0.5, -0.5.
Quantum numbers are crucial for understanding the state of an electron in an atom. These include the principal quantum number (n), which defines the size and energy level of an orbital, the angular momentum quantum number (l), which specifies the shape of the orbital, and the magnetic quantum number (m₁), which indicates the orientation of an orbital. Finally, the spin quantum number (ms), which has only two possible values, details the two possible spin states of an electron, a physical property unrelated to the electron's energy, shape, or orientation.