An electron in an atom has the following set of quantum numbers:
n = 2, = 1, = -1, m s = +1/2.
-In which subshell can the electron be found?
A)s
B)p
C)d
D)f

Question

An electron in an atom has the following set of quantum numbers:
n = 2,  = 1,  = -1, m s = +1/2.
-In which subshell can the electron be found?
A)s 
B)p 
C)d 
D)f

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The three given quantum numbers define a single unique subshell with values of n, l, and m. The value of l corresponds to the angular momentum quantum number, and can range from 0 to n-1. Therefore, if n=2 (as given), the possible values for l are 0 and 1. The value of ml corresponds to the magnetic quantum number, and for a given value of l, can range from -l to +l. Therefore, for l=1 (as given by value of l=1), ml can be either -1 or +1. Overall, these values correspond to the p subshell, which has two orbitals with ml values of -1 and +1. Since the spin quantum number is not relevant for identifying the subshell, we can conclude that the electron is in the p subshell.

An Electron in an Atom Has the Following Set of Quantum