Question

Explain why the quantum number set (1, 1, 0, +½) is not possible for an electron in a ground-state atom.

Answer 1

each quantum number has its own allowable range, based on the other quantum numbers in the set.

Do you know what each of the values stand for?

Answer 2

No @JFraser can you explain this to me

Answer 3

what does the first quantum number, n, stand for?

Answer 4

this is the sort of thing you could quickly look up

Answer 5

does it stand for number?.. @JFraser i have no idea

Answer 6

'n' is the principal quantum number, it describes the overall level of the electrons

Answer 7

it has values of 1, 2, 3, etc etc, always in whole numbers

Answer 8

if an electron has a 'n' value of 1, that electron is in the first energy level.

n = 2 the electron is in the second level (farther out than the first)

n = 3 the electron is in the third level

and so on

Answer 9

in a set of quantum numbers, the first number is always 'n'

Answer 10

oh okay, so its the energy level basically

alright I understand so far!

@JFraser

Answer 11

the \(second\) quantum number, 'L', is the azimuth quantum number

Answer 12

it describes the \(shape\) of the orbital

Answer 13

the values of L are limited by the allowable value of n for that particular combination

Answer 14

can you show me an example?

Answer 15

when L = 0, the orbital is a sphere-shape

L = 1 the orbital resembles a pair of balloons tied together

L = 2 the orbital resembles two pairs of balloons in a 4-leaf clover kind of arrangement

Answer 16

as L gets bigger, the shapes get more complicated, but L is only "allowed" to have particular values, based on the particular value of 'n' for that electron

Answer 17

the range of L is from 0 to (n - 1)

so whatever n is, L CANNOT be equal to or greater than n

Answer 18

( @JFraser sorry I'm taking a while to write back, I'm just trying to learn this //: )

Answer 19

@JFraser okay i understand,

When the numbers get bigger, L becomes more elaborate, but it cannot surpass n-1

Answer 20

true.

Answer 21

right there is your answer

Answer 22

Okay, tell me if this is worded correctly,
No matter how much is added onto L, it cannot become as big/bigger than n-1
Does that sound right? @JFraser

Answer 23

it's not a matter of adding to L until it becomes equal to (n - 1), its an allowable range that includes all whole numbers between zero and (n - 1).

Answer 24

quantum mechanics isn't the sort of thing that anyone really picks up quickly, it'll take time to get comfortable with it

Answer 25

Right....
How would you phrase it? @JFraser

Answer 26

i just did

Answer 27

to match what its asking?

@JFraser

Answer 28

the question is asking why the set of quantum numbers given is incorrect. Does that explanation answer the question?

Answer 29

@JFraser omg sorry i didn't see the other thing you answered me sorry !!

I was looking at "quantum mechanics isn't the sort of thing that anyone really picks up quickly, it'll take time to get comfortable with it"

Answer 30

that's basically it. the values of "L" depends on n, and the combination you're given violate the rules for the values of "L"