Question

For these quantum numbers, determine the number of electrons an atom could have.

a) n=3

b) n=4 l=2

c) n=6 l=2 m_l=-1

Answer 1

The number of electrons in an atom

(a) n = 3 state

number of electrons = 2n² = 2(3)^2 = 18

(b) For state n = 4; l = 2

the number of magnetic quantum states with quantum number l = 2 are: 2(2)+1 = 5.

Therefore, the number of electrons are 5(2) = 10

(c) For state n = 6; l = 2; mj = 1

Since the maximum number of electrons exists in a state are two. Hence number of electrons in mj = 1are 2.

Therefore, the number of electrons in a state n = 6; l = 2; mj = 1 is 2.