Question

Which of the following set of quantum numbers (ordered n, ℓ, mℓ, ms) are possible for an electron in an atom? Check all that apply.  

A) 5, 3, -3, 1/2

B) 2, 1, 0, 1

C) 4, 3, -2, 1/2

D) 4, 3, -4, -1/2

E) 5, 3, 4, 1/2

F) 4, 2, -1, -1/2

G) -1, 0, 0, -1/2

H) 2, 2, 2, 1/2

Answer 1

A)
This is valid

B)
ms can be -1/2 or 1/2.
It can’t be 1
Hence, this is not valid

C)
This is valid

D)
Value of l is 3
So, valid values of ml are [-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3]
so, ml can't be -4
Hence, this is not valid

E)
Value of l is 3
So, valid values of ml are [-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3]
so, ml can't be 4
Hence, this is not valid

F)
This is valid

G)
n must be a positive number
n can't be -1
Hence, this is not valid

H)
l must be less than n
Here value of n is 2
But value of l is 2
so, l can't be 2
Hence, this is not valid

Answer: A,C,F