The possible value(s)of the orbital angular momentum quantum number of a 3p electron are:
A)+1/2,-1/2
B)-1,0,+1
C)-1
D)0
E)1

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The general formula for calculating the possible values of the orbital angular momentum quantum number is L = |l|, |l-1|, ..., 0, ..., -|l|. For a 3p electron, the value of l is 1 (since p orbitals have l=1). Therefore, the possible values of L are 1, 0, and -1. However, L cannot be negative, so the only possible value for L is 1. Therefore, the possible orbital angular momentum quantum numbers are +1 or -1 (which correspond to the two possible orientations of the orbital angular momentum vector along the z-axis).

The Possible Value(s)of the Orbital Angular Momentum Quantum Number of a 3p