Question

On what quantum level should `g` orbitals start to exist?

Answer 1

Recall:

• `n` is the principal quantum number, describing the energy level an electron is in. It is the coefficient in front of a given orbital. `n = 1, 2, 3, . . .`
• `l` is the angular momentum quantum number, describing the shape of the orbital. `l = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, . . . , n-1` describes `s, p, d, f, g, h, i, k, . . .` orbitals.

`g` orbitals have `l = 4`, but the maximum `l` is `n-1`. Therefore, `g` orbitals can only exist starting at `color(blue)ulbb(n = 5)`. (Thus, there are no such things as `1g - 4g` orbitals.)

And even then, as we generally regard `g` orbitals as `(n-3)g`, only atoms after Oganesson (`Z = 118`) (i.e. on the `8`th row and past) would even use `5g` orbitals. We're not there yet.