Chapter 5: Problem 44
Assign a correct set of four quantum numbers for (a) Each electron in a nitrogen atom. (b) The valence electron in a sodium atom. (c) A \(3 d\) electron in a nickel atom.
Short Answer
Expert verified
For (a) nitrogen's 2p electron: (2, 1, +1, +1/2). For (b) sodium's valence electron: (3, 0, 0, +1/2). For (c) nickel's 3d electron: (3, 2, +2, +1/2).
Step by step solution
01
Understand Quantum Numbers
Quantum numbers describe the unique quantum state of an electron in an atom. The four quantum numbers are:
1. **Principal quantum number (
) (n)**: Represents the energy level and size of the orbital.
2. **Azimuthal quantum number (
) (l)**: Represents the shape of the orbital.
3. **Magnetic quantum number (
) (m_l)**: Represents the orientation of the orbital.
4. **Spin quantum number (
) (m_s)**: Represents the spin of the electron.
02
Solve for Nitrogen Atom
A nitrogen atom has 7 electrons. The electron configuration is
1s^2 2s^2 2p^3.
- For the last electron (3rd in 2p):
1.
: **2** (since 2p is the second shell)
2.
: **1** (since p orbitals have
=1)
3.
: **-1, 0, or +1** (choosing **+1** for the last filled as it represents one of the three orbitals px, py, or pz)
4.
: **+1/2** (assuming spin up)
Thus, (2, 1, +1, +1/2) is one possible set of quantum numbers for one of the 2p electrons in nitrogen.
03
Solve for Sodium Valence Electron
A sodium atom has 11 electrons with electron configuration
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1. The valence electron is the 3s^1 electron:
- For this electron:
1.
: **3** (since 3s is in the third shell)
2.
: **0** (since s orbitals have
=0)
3.
: **0** (only one orientation for s, so
=0)
4.
: **+1/2** (assuming spin up)
The quantum numbers for the valence electron in sodium are (3, 0, 0, +1/2).
04
Solve for Nickel's 3d Electron
A nickel atom has 28 electrons and configuration
1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 3d^8 4s^2. Focus on a 3d electron:
- For a 3d electron:
1.
: **3** (as it is in the third shell)
2.
: **2** (since d orbitals have
=2)
3.
: **-2, -1, 0, +1, +2** (choosing one value, e.g., **+2**)
4.
: **+1/2**
The quantum numbers for one of nickel’s 3d electrons might be (3, 2, +2, +1/2).
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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, symbolized as \( n \), is fundamental in determining an electron's position within an atom. It highlights the energy level or shell where the electron resides. Think of \( n \) as the floor of a building where an electron 'lives.'
- \( n \) ranges from 1 to infinity.
- Higher values indicate electrons are further from the nucleus and possess more energy.
- For example, if \( n = 2 \), the electron is in the second energy level.
Azimuthal Quantum Number
The azimuthal quantum number, also known as the angular momentum quantum number, is denoted by \( l \). It provides insights into the shape of an electron's orbital. This number helps us understand the variety of ways electrons can orbit the nucleus.
- \( l \) can take on integer values from 0 to \( n-1 \).
- Each \( l \) value corresponds to a specific type of orbital:
- \( l = 0 \) represents an s orbital (spherical shape).
- \( l = 1 \) indicates a p orbital (dumbbell shape).
- \( l = 2 \) stands for a d orbital (clover shape).
- \( l = 3 \) signifies an f orbital (complex shape).
Magnetic Quantum Number
The magnetic quantum number, represented as \( m_l \), describes the orientation of an electron's orbital in space. This helps pinpoint the exact 'seat' an electron occupies within its 'orbital classroom.'
- \( m_l \) values can range from \(-l\) to \(+l\).
- It determines the number of orbitals and their spatial orientation for a given \( l \).
- For \( l = 1 \) (p orbitals), \( m_l \) can be \(-1, 0, +1\); these numbers refer to the px, py, and pz orbitals.
Spin Quantum Number
The spin quantum number, denoted as \( m_s \), is unique because it describes the intrinsic "spin" or rotation of an electron along its axis. Spin is a fundamental property that significantly impacts magnetic behavior.
- This number has only two possible values: \(+\frac{1}{2}\) or \(-\frac{1}{2}\).
- These values signify the electron's spin direction, either "spin up" (\(+\)1/2) or "spin down" (\(-\)1/2).