Question

What is the maximum numbers of electrons that can be associated with the following set of quantum numbers ?
n = 3, l=1 and m = -1

• A. 10
• B. 6
• C. 4
• D. 2

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To determine the maximum number of electrons that can be associated with the given set of quantum numbers (n = 3, l = 1, and m = -1), let's analyze each component:

1. Principal Quantum Number (n):
   • Indicates the shell or energy level of an electron. Here, n = 3 represents the third shell.
2. Azimuthal Quantum Number (l):
   • Defines the subshell or orbital type. For l = 1, the orbital is a p orbital.
3. Magnetic Quantum Number (m):
   • Specifies the orientation of the orbital. It can take values from -l to +l. For l = 1, m can be -1, 0, 1.
   • The given m = -1 indicates one specific orientation of the p orbital.
4. Spin Quantum Number (s):
   • It can be +\frac{1}{2} or -\frac{1}{2}.
   • Each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons with opposite spins.

Given these quantum numbers, the p orbital with m = -1 can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, one with spin +\frac{1}{2} and the other with -\frac{1}{2}.

Conclusion: Thus, the maximum number of electrons that can be associated with the set of quantum numbers (n = 3, l=1, m = -1) is 2.