In the hierarchy of quantum numbers associated with the state of an atom, the order (from the highest-order number to the lowest-order number) is
A) magnetic (m), orbital (l), principal (n), spin (s).
B) principal (n), spin (s), magnetic (m), orbital (l).
C) principal (n), orbital (l), magnetic (m), spin (s).
D) orbital (l), principal (n), magnetic (m), spin (s).

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct order of quantum numbers from highest to lowest is principal (n), orbital (l), magnetic (m), and spin (s). This hierarchy reflects the quantum numbers' roles in defining an electron's state in an atom: the principal quantum number (n) indicates the energy level, the orbital quantum number (l) defines the shape of the orbital, the magnetic quantum number (m) specifies the orientation of the orbital, and the spin quantum number (s) describes the electron's spin direction.

In the Hierarchy of Quantum Numbers Associated with the State