## Values of l

Labiba Sardar 2A
Posts: 103
Joined: Sat Jul 20, 2019 12:15 am

### Values of l

What does it mean if l has multiple possible values? Specifically, what does each number represent? For example, if l = 2, then its possible values are -1, 0, 1, or if l =3, then its possible values are -2, -1, 0, 1, 2.

Ellen Amico 2L
Posts: 101
Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2019 12:16 am

### Re: Values of l

It's not that l has multiple possible values, but ml does. l represents the different subshells in an energy level (e.g. l = 2 represents the d subshell). This mean the values of ml for the d subshell can be -2, -1, 0, 1, 2. These values represent the 5 different orbitals of the d subshell.

Sebastian Lee 1L
Posts: 157
Joined: Fri Aug 09, 2019 12:15 am
Been upvoted: 1 time

### Re: Values of l

I believe you are referring to the possible values of the magnetic quantum number, ml. ml can take on the values from -l to l as you were saying. Each of these corresponds to the specific orientation of the orbital on the axes. For example, if l=2, ml can be -2, -1, 0, 1, or 2. Each of these 5 numbers corresponds to the 5 distinct orbitals: dxy, dyz, dxz, dz2, and dx2-y2. If you recall, theses orbitals have specific ways they are arranged around the nucleus.

The values of l (the orbital angular momentum quantum number) depend on n: l=0 to n-1. If l=0 it's an s subhsell, l=1 is p subshell, l=2 is d subshell, l=3 is f subshell.