Chapter 3: Problem 86
Determine the number of orbitals in the \(n=3, n=4\), and \(n=5\) shells.
Short Answer
Expert verified
For \(n=3\): 9 orbitals, \(n=4\): 16 orbitals, \(n=5\): 25 orbitals.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Principal Quantum Number
The principal quantum number, denoted as \( n \), signifies the main energy level or shell. It can take positive integer values (1, 2, 3, etc.). Each shell at level \( n \) can have orbitals associated with it.
02
Calculate Possible Values of the Azimuthal Quantum Number
The azimuthal quantum number \( l \) describes the shape of the orbital and can have integer values ranging from 0 to \( n-1 \). For example, if \( n=3 \), \( l \) can be 0, 1, or 2.
03
Determine Number of Orbitals per Subshell
Each subshell defined by a specific \( l \) value has orbitals, where the number of orbitals is given by \( 2l + 1 \). For example, if \( l = 0 \), there is 1 orbital; if \( l = 1 \), there are 3 orbitals; and if \( l = 2 \), there are 5 orbitals.
04
Apply Calculation for Each Principal Quantum Number
To find the total orbitals for a shell with quantum number \( n \), sum the orbitals in each of its subshells. This gives the formula \( n^2 \).
05
Apply Formula to \( n=3 \)
For \( n=3 \): the total number of orbitals is \( 3^2 = 9 \).
06
Apply Formula to \( n=4 \)
For \( n=4 \): the total number of orbitals is \( 4^2 = 16 \).
07
Apply Formula to \( n=5 \)
For \( n=5 \): the total number of orbitals is \( 5^2 = 25 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Principal Quantum Number
The principal quantum number, represented by the symbol \( n \), is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics that signifies the main energy level or shell an electron occupies within an atom. Each value of \( n \) is a positive integer: 1, 2, 3, and so on. As \( n \) increases, the distance of the electron from the nucleus also generally increases, and the electron's energy level becomes higher. Understanding \( n \) is crucial for visualizing the electron configuration in an atom.
- Each principal quantum number corresponds to a shell.
- The number of orbitals in any given shell is calculated by \( n^2 \).
- For example, for \( n = 3 \), there are \( 3^2 = 9 \) orbitals in total.
Azimuthal Quantum Number
The azimuthal quantum number, denoted by \( l \), describes the shape of an atom's electron cloud or orbitals within a given shell. This quantum number takes on integer values ranging from 0 to \( n-1 \), where \( n \) is the principal quantum number of that specific shell. The value of \( l \) determines the number of subshells within a shell and is essential for understanding the distribution of electrons.
- Each value of \( l \) corresponds to a different subshell: \( l=0 \) (s-type), \( l=1 \) (p-type), \( l=2 \) (d-type), and so forth.
- The subshells have distinct shapes and are associated with different electron spatial distributions.
- For example, for \( n = 3 \), \( l \) can be 0 (s), 1 (p), or 2 (d) indicating three subshells: s, p, and d.
Orbitals Calculation
Calculating the number of orbitals within an atom involves a relationship between the quantum numbers. The number of orbitals in a given subshell is determined by the formula \( 2l + 1 \), where \( l \) is the azimuthal quantum number. Each orbital can hold up to 2 electrons. This formula helps in understanding the total orbital structure within a shell: first by evaluating subshell contributions and then by summing up the orbitals.
- If \( l = 0 \), there is one orbital (s-type, 1 orbital).
- If \( l = 1 \), there are three orbitals (p-type, 3 orbitals).
- If \( l = 2 \), there are five orbitals (d-type, 5 orbitals).