Question

Question #d4960

Answer 1

The `3d` subshell.

Explanation:

For starters, it's important to realize that the identity of the subshell depends on the value of the angular momentum quantum number, `l`.

The principal quantum number, `n`, tells you the energy level on which the subshell is located, but the identity of the subshell is given by the angular momentum quantum number.

In your case, you know that you have

`n = 3, l =2`

This means that your subshell is located on the third energy level.

Now, the angular momentum quantum number can take the following values

• `l = 0 ->` the `s` subshell
• `l = 1 ->` the `p` subshell
• `l = 2 ->` the `d` subshell
• `l = 3 ->` the `f` subshell
  `vdots`

and so on. As you can see, you're dealing with a `d` subshell.

You can thus say that the two quantum numbers given to you describe the `d` subshell located on the third energy level, i.e. the `3d` subshell.