Question

what information is needed to determine the orientation of an orbital?
○ ℓ
○ mₗ
○ mₛ
○ n

what information is needed to determine the general shape of an orbital?
○ mₗ
○ n
○ mₛ
○ ℓ

Explanation:

• For orientation of an orbital: The magnetic quantum number \(m_l\) determines the orientation of an orbital in space. For a given value of the angular - momentum quantum number \(l\), \(m_l\) can take values from \(-l\) to \(+l\) (including \(0\)). For example, if \(l = 1\) (a \(p\) - orbital), \(m_l=- 1,0,+1\) which correspond to the \(p_x\), \(p_y\), and \(p_z\) orbitals with different orientations.
• For shape of an orbital: The angular - momentum quantum number \(l\) determines the general shape of an orbital. When \(l = 0\), it is an \(s\) - orbital (spherical shape). When \(l=1\), it is a \(p\) - orbital (dumbbell - shaped). When \(l = 2\), it is a \(d\) - orbital (cloverleaf - shaped) etc.

Answer:

• For the orientation of an orbital: \(m_l\)
• For the general shape of an orbital: \(l\)