ml number possibilities

[Funmi Baruwa]

Once we know the different possibilities for ml (i.e -1,0,1), how do we then decide which number is the actual number for a given quantum number?

[John Pham 3L]

I think that the question would specify the number of electrons in the final subshell.
You would then just follow Hund's Rule to fill these orbitals and see which orbitals each electron occupies.
Generally, I don't think we'll be asked on specifics to electron location but just knowing the orbitals possible.

[Kelly Tran 1J]

You would have to draw out the orbitals and use the Pauli Exclusion Principle and Hund's Rule to fill in the orbitals.
Since your possibilities for ml are -1, 0, +1,
- if the last electron is in the first orbital, ml = -1
- if the last electron is in the second orbital, ml = 0
- if the last electron is in the third orbital, ml = +1
Hope this helps!

[Yasmina Zaarour 1G]

I don't think you would be asked which electron is which, since these are possible states, not actual "rooms" (like the analogy Dr. Lavelle used in his lecture), so technically which electron is in which is arbitrary. You would likely just need to know which electrons are paired vs unpaired in their respective orbitals using Hund's rule and the Pauli Exclusion Principle.

[Funmi Baruwa]

ohhhh okay so it corresponds to the number of orbitals, got it thanks!