Question

Give the quantum number set for one electron in the 2p sublevel of a nitrogen (N) atom.

Answer 1

2 1 0 1/2

Answer 2

In case you're wondering how to do this. The four quantum numbers are. 1. Energy level (n) 2. Orbital (l) - this stands for s,p,d, and f. 3. Orientation of molecule (ml) (ex, turning clockwise or counter-clockwise.) 4. Spin (ms) (which way the molecule is turning on itself.) The last two can be thought of as the earth, number 3 would be like the earth rotating around the sun and number 4 would be like the earth spinning around its axis to create day and night.

In this case we are told the energy level is 2. We are told it is in p orbital (l = 0 for s orbital, 1 for p, 2 for d, and 3 for f). ml has values from -l to l, so in this case our l is 1, thus ml = -1, 0, or 1. You can use either one since they have not told use which one to use. And finally spin is either +1/2 or -1/2. Take your pick.

So you need 4 quantum numbers to identify exactly one electron.