Question

Using s, p, d notations, describe the orbital with the following quantum numbers.
a.) n = 1, l = 0;
b.) n = 3, l = 1;
c.) n = 4, l = 2;
d.) n = 4, l = 3;

Answer 1

The ‘n’ is the Principal quantum number which is the value of the shell in which the electron is entering. We have s, p and d notations for various values of l.
If l = 0; then s orbital
l = 1; then p orbital
l = 2; then d orbital etc.

Complete step by step answer:
First, let us understand what is n and l values. The ‘n’ alphabet is used to describe the Principal quantum number. These designate the main shell in which the electron entered in an atom. Its value can be any integer with a positive value starting from 1. The ‘l’ alphabet is used to describe the Azimuthal quantum number. These describe the shape of the given orbital. The value of azimuthal quantum number is obtained from principal quantum number. Its value can be obtained as-
-‘l’ = n - 1
-Further, we have s, p and d notations for various values of l.
-If l = 0; then s orbital
-l = 1; then p orbital
-l = 2; then d orbital
-l = 3; then f orbital
-l = 4; then g orbitals
-So, now let us see options given to see their orbitals.
-The first option is n = 1, l = 0;.
-The n is 1 means 1st shell and l = 0 means s orbital.
-So, it is 1s orbitals.
-Similarly, for n = 3, l = 1; this is 3p orbital.
-For n = 4, l = 2; this is 4d orbital.
-For n = 4, l = 3; this is 4f orbital.

Note: It must be noted that the ‘n’ decides the number of shells and each shell contains some specific number of orbitals which is given by orbital angular momentum quantum number or azimuthal quantum number. Its value is always one less than the value of ‘n’.