Question

which set of quantum numbers will identify an electron in a 4p subshell?
○ a. 4, 3, 2
○ b. 4, 1, 0
○ c. 4, 1, -1
○ d. 4, 2, 0
○ both b and c

Explanation:

• Principal quantum number (\(n\)): For \(4p\) sub - shell, \(n = 4\) (as the first number in the shell notation is the principal quantum number).
• Azimuthal quantum number (\(l\)): For \(p\) sub - shell, \(l=1\) ( \(l = 0\) for \(s\), \(l = 1\) for \(p\), \(l=2\) for \(d\), \(l = 3\) for \(f\)).
• Magnetic quantum number (\(m_l\)): When \(l = 1\), \(m_l=-l,\cdots,0,\cdots,+l\), so \(m_l=- 1,0, + 1\)

Answer:

Both B. \([4,1,0]\) and C. \([4,1,-1]\)