In a 3d subshell, what are the possible values for the orbital magnetic quantum number?
A) 3
B) 3, −3
C) 3, 2, 1, 0
D) 2, 1, 0, −1, −2
E) 2, −2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The possible values of the magnetic quantum number for a 3d subshell are -2, -1, 0, 1, and 2. This is because, in a d subshell, there are five orbitals (dxy, dyz, dz2, dxz, and dx2-y2), and each of these orbitals can accommodate two electrons with opposite spins. The magnetic quantum number specifies the orientation of the orbital in space, and there are five possible orientations for the d subshell, corresponding to the five possible values of the magnetic quantum number.

In a 3d Subshell, What Are the Possible Values for the Orbital