Question

which of the following sets of quantum numbers can describe a 3p electron? answer: a $n = 1, ell=3, m_{ell}=1$ b $n = 3, ell=2, m_{ell}=1$ c $n = 3, ell=1, m_{ell}=1$ d $n = 3, ell=0, m_{ell}=1$ e $n = 2, ell=3, m_{ell}=1$

Explanation:

Step1: Identify principal quantum number n

For a 3p electron, the principal quantum number $n$ represents the energy level and shell. Here $n = 3$.

Step2: Identify angular - momentum quantum number $\ell$

For p - orbitals, the angular - momentum quantum number $\ell=1$. s - orbitals have $\ell = 0$, p - orbitals have $\ell = 1$, d - orbitals have $\ell = 2$, etc.

Step3: Identify magnetic quantum number $m_{\ell}$

The magnetic quantum number $m_{\ell}$ ranges from $-\ell$ to $\ell$. Since $\ell = 1$, $m_{\ell}$ can be $- 1,0,1$.

Answer:

C. $n = 3,\ell = 1,m_{\ell}=1$