How many electrons can be described by the quantum numbers n = 3,l = 3,m_l = 1? A)0 B)2 C)6 D)10 E)14

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The given quantum numbers are not possible because for n = 3 (third energy level), the maximum value l (azimuthal quantum number) can have is 2 (l = 0, 1, 2 for s, p, and d orbitals respectively). Since l = 3 is given, which exceeds the maximum possible value for the third energy level, no electrons can have these quantum numbers.

How Many Electrons Can Be Described by the Quantum Numbers