Question

The number of orbitals in a given subshell, such as the 5d subshell, is determined by the number of possible values of ? A) l. B) n. C)ml. D) ms.

Answer 1

The answer is C) `m_l`.

The number of orbitals for a given subshell is determined by the magnetic quantum number, or `m_l`.

The principal quantum number, or `n`, describes the energy level in which the orbital is located. In your case, the orbital is located in the fifth energy level, `n=5`.

The angular momentum quantum number, or `l`, describes the subshell, or orbital type. In your case, a d-orbital is described by `l=2`.

Finally, `m_l` describes the total number of orbitals available for that respective sublevel. In your case, you have 5 d-orbitals, each with its own magnetic quantum number

`m_l = -2`
`m_l = -1`
`m_l = 0`
`m_l = +1`
`m_l = + 2`