Chapter 7: Problem 55
(a) How many subshells are present in the \(n=4\) shell? (b) How many orbitals are in the \(3 d\) subshell? (c) What is the maximum value of \(\ell\) that is allowed in the shell with \(n=3\) ? (d) What are the values of \(n\) and \(\ell\) for a \(3 p\) subshell? Give all allowed values of the \(m_{\ell}\) quantum number for this subshell.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding Subshells in Shells
Counting Orbitals in a Subshell
Determining Maximum \(\ell\) for a Given Shell
Identifying Quantum Numbers and Values for a Subshell
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Subshells
Let's break it down:
- The principal quantum number \( n \) is a positive integer that indicates the main energy level of an electron in an atom. For example, when \( n = 4 \), the shell level is 4.
- The azimuthal quantum number \( \ell \) can vary from 0 to \( n-1 \). Example values include:\( \ell = 0 \) for "s," \( \ell = 1 \) for "p," \( \ell = 2 \) for "d," and \( \ell = 3 \) for "f."
- Each value of \( \ell \) corresponds to a different subshell, defining the type of orbital electrons reside in, such as \( 4s, 4p, 4d, \text{and} \, 4f \) when \( n = 4 \).
All About Orbitals
Here are the essentials:
- Each subshell is made up of one or more orbitals. For instance, a "p" subshell (\( \ell = 1 \)) has three orbitals because the magnetic quantum number \( m_\ell \) can take the values \(-1, 0, \) and \(+1\).
- The number of orbitals in a subshell is determined by the range \( -\ell \) to \( +\ell \) of the \( m_\ell \) quantum number. So, a "d" subshell (\( \ell = 2 \)) includes five orbitals: \(-2, -1, 0, +1, +2\).
- These orbitals represent different orientations and probabilities of where to find an electron, with each one having a unique shape and spatial orientation.
Principles of Quantum Mechanics
A few key principles include:
- The quantization of energy levels: Electrons can only exist in specific energy states known as levels or shells, as determined by quantum numbers \( n, \ell, \text{and} \, m_\ell \).
- Uncertainty principle: There's an intrinsic limitation in knowing both the position and momentum of an electron simultaneously, affecting how we describe electron positions.
- Wave-particle duality: Electrons exhibit both particle-like and wave-like behavior, which is why they occupy orbitals as probability clouds rather than fixed paths.
Building Electron Configurations
Here's how it works:
- The Pauli Exclusion Principle: No two electrons in an atom can have the same set of quantum numbers, meaning each electron has a unique "address" in terms of its shell, subshell, and orbital.
- Aufbau Principle: Electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level available and move to higher ones as lower levels fill up, following a specific order (such as \( 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, \) etc.).
- Hund's Rule: In subshells with multiple orbitals (like "p" or "d"), electrons fill each orbital singly before pairing up, minimizing repulsions and energy.