Question

What is the maximum number of electrons in an atom that can have these quantum numbers: (Remember the shortcut: n2 = # ______________________ whereas 2n2 = # ________________ where n stands for _________________________________).

n=4 n=5, ml = +1 n=5, ms = + ½ n=3, l = 2 n=2, l = 1

Answer 1

1) for n=4

If only n is given,

number of electrons = 2*n^2

= 2*4^2

= 32

Answer: 32

2) for n=5 ml = +1

n=5 can have l=0,1,2,3,4

ml=+1 i possible for l=1,2,3,4

So, there will be 4 such orbitals possible

Hence possible number of electrons in ml=+1 is 8

Answer: 8

3) for n=5 ms = + ½

If only n is given,

number of electrons = 2*n^2

= 2*5^2

= 50

Out of these 50, 25 will have ms=+1/2 and 25 will have ms=-1/2

Answer: 25

4) for n=3 l = 2

when n and l are given:

number of electrons = 2*(2l+1)

= 2*(2*2+1)

= 2*5

= 10

Answer: 10

5) for n=2 l = 1

when n and l are given:

number of electrons = 2*(2l+1)

= 2*(2*1+1)

= 2*3

= 6

Answer: 6