Question

Can an orbital with a principal quantum number of `n = 2` have an angular momentum quantum number of `l = 2`? True or false?

Answer 1

Absolutely... false.

What is the definition of the principal quantum number `n`? It's the energy level, if you recall. So, what is `n` for the second energy level?

Recall that `l <= n - 1`, where `l` is the angular momentum quantum number. Here are some questions for you:

1. What is the orbital shape described by `l = 2`? `s,p,d,` or `f`?
2. Verify that `l = 2` is impossible for `n - 1` where `n = 2`.

You should find that `l = 2` is only possible for `n >= 3`.