List the following sets of quantum numbers in order of increasing energy:
I. n = 4, l = 1, m_l = 1, m_s = +1/2
II. n = 3, l = 2, m_l = -1, m_s = +1/2
III. n = 4, l = 0, m_l = 0, m_s = +1/2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy of an electron is determined by the value of its principal quantum number (n). For a given value of n, the energy increases as the value of the azimuthal quantum number (l) increases. Among the sets given, the values of n are the same for sets I and III. Therefore, the next important factor to consider is the value of l. In set I, l = 1; in set III, l = 0. Therefore, set III has lower energy. Finally, we need to compare set II with the other two. In set II, n = 3, which is lower than n = 4 in sets I and III. Therefore, set II has lower energy. Thus, the order of increasing energy is III < II < I.

List the Following Sets of Quantum Numbers in Order of Increasing