question_answer

What is the maximum number of orbitals that can be identified with the following quantum numbers? \[n=3,l=1,{{m}_{l}}=0\] [AIPMT 2014]

A)  1     

B)  2     

C)  3     

D)  4

Correct Answer: A

Solution :

The value of \[n=3\] and \[l=1\] suggests that it is a 3p orbital while the value of \[{{m}_{1}}\]= 0 [magnetic quantum number] shows that the given 3p orbital is \[3{{p}_{z}}\] in nature. Hence, the maximum number of orbitals identified by the given quantum number is only 1, i.e. \[3{{p}_{z}}.\]