NEETChemistryStructure of Atom
What is the principal quantum number, and what does it determine for an atomic orbital?
Options
- AIt is a negative integer, and it determines the orbital shape.
- BIt is a positive integer, and it determines the orbital size and energy.
- CIt is a fractional number, and it determines the orbital's color.
- DIt is a complex number, and it determines the orbital's orientation.
Correct answer
B. It is a positive integer, and it determines the orbital size and energy.
Step-by-step solution
The principal quantum number 'n' is a positive integer (1, 2, 3, ...) that determines the size and, to a large extent, the energy of an atomic orbital. For hydrogen atoms and hydrogen-like species, the energy and size of the orbital depend only on the value of 'n.'