Which one of the following sets of quantum numbers represents an electron with the highest energy A) n = 2, l = 1, m_l = 0, m_s = +1/2 B) n = 3, l = 0, m_l = 0, m_s = -1/2 C) n = 2, l = 0, m_l = 0, m_s = +1/2 D) n = 3, l = 2, m_l = 1, m_s = -1/2 E) n = 3, l = 1, m_l = 1, m_s = +1/2

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy of an electron in an atom primarily depends on the principal quantum number (n). The higher the value of n, the higher the energy level. Among the given options, options B, D, and E have the highest principal quantum number (n = 3). Among these, the option with the highest azimuthal quantum number (l) represents electrons in orbitals with higher energy within the same principal energy level. Therefore, option D with n = 3 and l = 2 represents the electron with the highest energy.

Which One of the Following Sets of Quantum Numbers Represents