How many orbitals have the following set of quantum numbers: n = 5, = 3, = -1?
A) 0
B) 1
C) 3
D) 6
E) 7

Question

How many orbitals have the following set of quantum numbers: n = 5,  = 3,  = -1?
A) 0 
B) 1 
C) 3 
D) 6 
E) 7

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The number of orbitals can be determined by the formula 2n^2, where n is the principal quantum number. For n = 5, there are 2(5^2) = 50 total orbitals. However, the magnetic quantum number (ml) is -1, which indicates that the orbital is a p orbital. For each value of l, there are 2l+1 orbitals. So for l=1 (p orbitals), there is only one orbital with ml=-1. Therefore the answer is 1.

How Many Orbitals Have the Following Set of Quantum Numbers