Question

Determine whether or not each set of quantum numbers shown could correctly describe an electron in an atom. (Choose "Possible" or "Impossible" for each statement.)

n = 4; l = 3; ml = 3; ms = 1/2

n = 3; l = 3; ml = -2; ms = 1/2

n = 3; l = 2; ml = -2; ms = 3/2

n = 3; l = 1; ml = 2; ms = 1/2

n = 3; l = 1; ml = -1; ms = -1/2

Answer 1

n=4' ; l=3; ml = 3; ms = 1/2 is possible which it describes 7th electron in 4f orbital.

n=3, l=3, ml = -2, ms = 1/2 is not possible because l=3 refers to f-orbital. there is no such f-orbital in 3rd orbit.

n = 3, l=2, ml = -2, ms = 3/2 is not possible because an electron can have a spin of either +1/2 or -1/2

n=3, l=1, ml = 2, ms = +1/2 is not possible because ml values ranges from -l to +l i.e, from -1 to +1. but here ml = 2 which it is not possible for this set of numbers.

n=3, l = 1, ml = -1, ms = -1/2 is possible inwhich it describes 4th electron in 3p-orbital.