Question

An electron is in one of the 3d orbitals. Give the possible values of n, l and ml for this electron.

Answer 1

Concept Used:

The notation 3d indicates the principal energy level and the type of subshell.

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Step 1: Principal quantum number (n)

For a 3d orbital:

n = 3

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Step 2: Azimuthal quantum number (l)

For a d-orbital:

l = 2

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Step 3: Magnetic quantum number (m_l)

For l = 2, possible values of m_l range from −l to +l:

m_l = −2, −1, 0, +1, +2

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Final Answer:

Possible quantum numbers for an electron in a 3d orbital are:

n = 3,
l = 2,
m_l = −2, −1, 0, +1, +2