Question

What determines the number of possible suborbitals

Answer 1

The number of suborbitals is a function of the energy level in question.

Two of the 4 quantum numbers that describe electrons are n and l. n is the energy level (electron shell) of an atom. n=1,2,3,... l is the quantum number that describes the number of suborbitals. l=0,1,2,3....n-1.

Hydrogen has one energy level, i.e., n=1; therefore hydrogen's only orbital is l=0.

Oxygen has two energy levels: n=1, and n=2. Its first energy level has only one orbital: l=0. Its second energy level has two orbitals: l=0 and l=1.

Answer 2

A hydrogen electron returns from energy level n = 3 to n = 1 during electron transition. What will the spectral lines emitted by this electron look like under a spectroscope?