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If an atom has an electron in the n = 4 state with ml = 2, what are the possible values of l?

User Tnotstar
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Answer:

The possible values of l are 2 and 3

Step-by-step explanation:

Each electrons have four quantum numbers:

  • n: the principal quantum number, which value matches with the energy level of the electron.
  • l: the secondary quantum number, which value can be from 0 to n-1
  • m: the magnetic number, which value can be from -l to l
  • sp: the spin number which value can be -1/2 or +1/2

In this case, n=4 so the values of l are:

l=0, 1, 2, 3

Now, if:

  • l=0 the value of m is m=0
  • l=1 the values of m are m= -1, 0, 1
  • l=2 the values of m are m= -2, -1, 0, 1, 2
  • l=3 the values of m are m= -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3

Being all that said, l can be either equal to 2 or 3

User Uvuvwevwevwe
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