What electron could have quantum numbers #n = 3#, #l = 0#, #m_l = 0#, #m_s = -1/2#?

1 Answer
Mar 14, 2017

It would be a #"3s"# electron.

Explanation:

The principal quantum number #n = 3# tells us that the electron is in the third energy level.

The secondary quantum number #l = 0# tells us the electron is an #"s"# electron.

chemed.chem.purdue.edu

The magnetic quantum number #m_l# must be zero if #l = 0#.

The spin quantum number #s# can be either #+½# or #-½#.

∴ The electron is a #"3s"# electron.