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JEE Main Chemistry Structure of Atom 2026 JEE Main 2026 (23 January Shift 1)

JEE Main Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Question

Given, (A) n =5, ~m _ 1 =-1 (B) n =3, l =2, ~m _ 1 =-1, ~m _ s =+ 1 2 The maximum number of electron(s) in an atom that can have the quantum numbers as given in (A) and (B) respectively are :

Options

  1. A. 8 and 1
  2. B. 2 and 4
  3. C. 26 and 1
  4. D. 4 and 1

Answer

A. 8 and 1

Step-by-step solution

For case (A) with n=5, m_l=-1: The principal quantum number n=5 allows l from 0 to 4. Since m_l=-1, we need l≥1. For each l value (1, 2, 3, 4), the orbital m_l=-1 exists, giving 4 orbitals. Each orbital holds 2 electrons (spin up and down), so maximum electrons = 8. For case (B) with n=3, l=2, m_l=-1, m_s=+ 1 2 : These quantum numbers completely specify a single electron in a unique orbital with a specific spin, so maximum electrons = 1. Therefore, the answer is 8 and 1.

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