Question

which of the following sets of quantum numbers (n,l,m) is not possible? a. 3 3 -3 +1/2 b. 2 1 -1 +1/2 c. 2 0 0 +1/2 d. 2 1 0 +1/2 e. 4 2 -1 -1/2

Answer 1

a. The set of quantum numbers given is (3, 3, -3, +1/2). Compairing it with the general set of quantum numbers i.e (n, l, m, m_s), we get the value of n = 3 which means energy level is 3 that means it is an M shell. Value of l = 3 which indicates that it is an f orbital. But M shell can accomodate only 18 electrons hence there exist only s, p and d orbitals in this shell. No f orbital is there in M shell hence, set a. of quantum numbers is not possible.

b. The set of quantum numbers given is (2, 1, -1, +1/2). Compairing it with the general set of quantum numbers i.e (n, l, m, m_s), we get the value of n = 2 which means energy level is 2 that means it is an L shell. Value of l = 1 which indicates that it is a p orbital. That means it is 2p orbital which exists.

c. The set of quantum numbers given is (2, 0, 0, +1/2). Compairing it with the general set of quantum numbers i.e (n, l, m, m_s), we get the value of n = 2 which means energy level is 2 that means it is an L shell. Value of l = 0 which indicates that it is an s orbital.That means it is 2s orbital which exists.

d. The set of quantum numbers given is (2, 1, 0, +1/2). Compairing it with the general set of quantum numbers i.e (n, l, m, m_s), we get the value of n = 2 which means energy level is 2 that means it is an L shell. Value of l = 1 which indicates that it is an p orbital.That means it is 2p orbital which exists.

e. The set of quantum numbers given is (4, 2, -1, -1/2). Compairing it with the general set of quantum numbers i.e (n, l, m, m_s), we get the value of n = 4 which means energy level is 4 that means it is an N shell. Value of l = 2 which indicates that it is an d orbital.That means it is 4d orbital which exists.