Question

The term symbols associated with the 𝑑𝑑8 electron configuration of an atom are: (see Table 8.4 of McQuarrie, P299.) 1S, 1D, 1G, 3P, 3F (a) [2 pts] Give the possible S values for the 3P term symbol. S is total electron spin angular momentum. (b) [2 pts] Give the possible mS values for the 3P term symbol. mS is the projection of S. (c) [2 pts] Give the possible L values for the 3P term symbol. L is total electron orbital angular momentum. (d) 2 pts] Give the possible mL values for the 3P term symbol. mL is the projection of L. (e) [5 pts] Give the possible J values for the 3P term symbol. J=L+S is the total angular momentum of the atom. (f) [7 pts] According to Hund’s rules, order the five term symbols above in the order of increasing energy.

Answer 1

The three quantum numbers (n, l, and m) that describe an orbital are integers: 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on. The principal quantum number (n) cannot be zero. The allowed values of n are therefore 1, 2, 3, 4, and so on. The angular quantum number (l) can be any integer between 0 and n - 1.