How many electrons in an atom may have the following quantum numbers?
$(a)$ $n=4, m_{s}=-\frac{1}{2}$
$(b)$ $n=3, l=0$

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(A) The total number of electrons in a shell with principal quantum number $n$ is $2n^{2}$.
For $n=4$,the total number of electrons is $2(4)^{2} = 32$.
In a neutral atom with a filled shell,half of the electrons have spin $m_{s}=+\frac{1}{2}$ and half have spin $m_{s}=-\frac{1}{2}$.
Therefore,the number of electrons with $n=4$ and $m_{s}=-\frac{1}{2}$ is $\frac{32}{2} = 16$.
$(b)$ The quantum numbers $n=3$ and $l=0$ correspond to the $3s$ orbital.
Since an $s$ orbital can hold a maximum of $2$ electrons,the number of electrons with $n=3$ and $l=0$ is $2$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

The orbital angular momentum of an electron in an $s$ orbital is:

An electron in the $5d$ orbital can be represented by the following $(n, l, m_l)$ values:

The number of electrons that can be present in sub-shells having $m_s$ value of $\frac{-1}{2}$,for $n$ up to $3$.

$A$ completely filled $d$ orbital $(d^{10})$ configuration is:

Number of unpaired electrons in $Fe^{+3}$ $(Z = 26)$ is

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo