Answer to Question #286874 in Chemistry for michelle

Question

Which set of quantum numbers (n, l, ml, ms) is not possible for an electron to have?

1. 3, 2, -1, -½
2. 1, 0, 0, -½
3. 2, 1, 1, ½
4. 4, 2, 3, ½
5. 6, 4, -3, -½

Answer 1

Solution:

Set of quantum numbers (n, l, m_l, m_s):

Thus,

1) 3, 2, -1, -½ (possible)

2) 1, 0, 0, -½ (posible)

3) 2, 1, 1, ½ (possible)

4) 4, 2, 3, ½ (not possible, m_l must be from -2 to 2)

5) 6, 4, -3, -½ (theoretically possible)

Set of quantum numbers (n = 4, l = 2, m_l = 3, m_s = ½) is not possible for an electron

Answer: 4. 4, 2, 3, ½