Question

What does the second quantum number `(l)` describe?

Answer 1

The angular momentum quantum number (l) tells us the “shape” of the orbitals.

Explanation:

The angular momentum quantum number (l) tells us the “shape” of the orbitals. The values of l depend on the value of the principal quantum number, n.

For a given value of n, l has possible integral values from 0 to (n - 1). If n = 1, there is only one possible value of l; that is if n = 2, there are two values of l, given by 0 and 1. If n = 3, there are three values of /\l, given by 0, 1, and 2.

The value of l is generally designated by the letters s, p, d, f, g, h. Thus, if l = 0, we have an s orbital; if l = 1, we have a p orbital; and so on. From “Chemistry” 10th Ed, Raymond Chang