JEE MainChemistryStructure of Atom
Which of the following sets of quantum numbers describes a maximum of exactly 6 electrons in a hypothetical atom?
Options
- An = 4, m _ l = +2
- Bn = 3, m _ s = - 1 2
- Cn = 5, m _ l = -2
- Dn = 4, l = 3, m _ s = + 1 2
Correct answer
C. n = 5, m _ l = -2
Step-by-step solution
Evaluate each set of quantum numbers to find the maximum number of electrons it can describe: For n = 4, m _ l = +2 : The principal quantum number n = 4 allows l = 0, 1, 2, 3 . The magnetic quantum number m _ l = +2 requires l 2 . Thus, the valid l values are 2 and 3 . This corresponds to 2 orbitals, which can hold a maximum of 2 2 = 4 electrons. For n = 3, m _ s = - 1 2 : The shell n = 3 contains n ^2 = 9 orbitals. Each orbital can hold exactly one electron with spin m _ s = - 1 2 . Thus, the maximum number of ele