how would you identify an element if you are given the quantum numbers for the last electron added?

Question

espex · Answer

Can you clarify that?

anonymous · Answer

"if the following set of quantum numbers represents the "last" electron added to complete the ground state electron configuration of an element according to the Aufbau Principle, which one of the following COULD be the symbol for the element?"
n = 3
l = 1
m = 0 
s = +,- 1/2
answers:Na,V,Zn,Si,Th

espex · Answer

So you have:
n = principle energy level (Periods in periodic table)
l = n-1 (Gives you the shape)
    0 = s
    1 = p
    2 = d
    3 = f
m = -l through +l
s = (+/-) 1/2

anonymous · Answer

ok so does that narrow it down to Na or Si?

espex · Answer

So in your example, n=3, means you are in the 3rd period, l=1, meaning you are dealing with the p orbital, so with m=0 it would seem that you just reached the p orbital so you are looking at Mg most likely.