JEE MainChemistryStructure of Atom
An electron in an atom has a magnetic quantum number m_l = +3 . Which of the following values for the principal quantum number ( n ) is NOT possible for this electron?
Options
- A3
- B4
- C5
- D6
Correct answer
A. 3
Step-by-step solution
For a given azimuthal quantum number l , the magnetic quantum number m_l can take values from -l to +l . Since m_l = +3 , the minimum possible value for l is 3 . The principal quantum number n must be strictly greater than l (i.e., n > l ). Therefore, the minimum possible value for n is 4 . Thus, n = 3 is not possible for an electron with m_l = +3 . Answer: 3