Q32 E - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

What are the allowed values for each of the four quantum numbers: n, l, ml, and ms? 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

For n, n = l to n=infinite . For l, l = 0 to l = n-1. For m_l, m_l = -l to m_l = +l. for m_s, m_s = ±1/2.

Step 1: describing values allowed for n and l

 n defines energy level and size of the orbital. Values allowed for n are from n = l to n= infinite. L defines the shape of the orbital. values allowed for l are from l = 0 to l = n-1. 

Step 2: determining values allowed for m l and m s

m_l represents magnetic quantum number and orientations. values allowed for m_l are from m_l = -l to m_l = +l. m_s defines the direction of spin of the electron. Values allowed for m_S are ±1/2.