NEETChemistryStructure of Atom
An electron is present in an orbital that has 2 radial nodes and 1 angular node. Which of the following sets of quantum numbers could correctly describe this electron?
Options
- An=4, l=1, m_l=0, m_s=+ 1 2
- Bn=4, l=2, m_l=-1, m_s=- 1 2
- Cn=3, l=1, m_l=+1, m_s=+ 1 2
- Dn=4, l=1, m_l=+2, m_s=- 1 2
Correct answer
A. n=4, l=1, m_l=0, m_s=+ 1 2
Step-by-step solution
The number of angular nodes is given by the azimuthal quantum number, l . Therefore, l = 1 . The number of radial nodes is given by the formula (n - l - 1) . Given that radial nodes = 2 : n - 1 - 1 = 2 n - 2 = 2 n = 4 The orbital is 4p . For a 4p electron, the permitted quantum numbers are n=4 , l=1 , m_l = -1, 0, or +1 , and m_s = + 1 2 or - 1 2 . Checking the given options: The first option has valid values for a 4p electron. The second option has l=2 , which corresponds to 2 angular nodes (a 4d orbital). The thi