Quantum Numbers Question
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 9:54 pm
by Bita Ghanei 1F
Q: What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy the orbitals with principle quantum number = 4?
A: 32
Can someone please explain why the answer is 32? Thanks!
Re: Quantum Numbers Question
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 10:15 pm
by Sebastian Lee 1L
Okay so if n=4:
l=0, 1, 2, 3
For l=0:
ml = 0
For l=1:
ml = -1, 0, 1
For l=2:
ml = -2, -1, 0, 1, 2
For l=3:
ml = -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3
For each orbital there can be two electrons (one with spin up (ms = +1/2) and one with spin down (ms = -1/2)).
If we add up all the orbitals, there are 16. Since there can be up to two electrons per orbital, that equals 32 total possible electrons when n=4.
Re: Quantum Numbers Question
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 10:17 pm
by Lauren Tindall
The number of electrons that can occupy a given energy shell is given by the equation eā=2n^2. n represents the principal quantum number that describes the energy shell. We have n=4 which means that the number of eā is 2ā
4^2=32.
Re: Quantum Numbers Question
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2019 9:20 am
by Mai V 4L
Does anyone have a video they thinnk is a good reference for this topic?
Re: Quantum Numbers Question
Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2020 4:01 pm
by Melanie Lin 3E
Mai V 4L wrote:Does anyone have a video they thinnk is a good reference for this topic?
Hey Mai! I was actually recommended this by my high school chemistry teacher but I think anyone should appreciate our Chemistry Jesus: [https://youtu.be/Aoi4j8es4gQ]. Feel free to check it out!