What quantum numbers specify a 6s orbital?

1 Answer
May 14, 2014

The quantum numbers n = 6 and l = 0 specify a 6s orbital.

According to quantum theory, the principal quantum number n specifies the size and energy level of the orbital. For a 6s orbital, n = 6.

The secondary quantum number l specifies the shape of the orbital. The allowed values of l are 0, 1, 2, 3 … n - 1. l = 0 specifies a spherical orbital. For an s orbital, l = 0.

As 6s orbital is a large spherical orbital with five spherical nodes nested inside. You can see a picture of a 6s orbital at

http://winter.group.shef.ac.uk/orbitron/AOs/6s/