Question

An electron has magnetic quantum number as -3, what is its principal quantum number

Answer 1

HELLO THERE!

Let me give you some details of Quantum numbers first ;)

Principal quantum number (n) has its value 1, 2, 3....

Azimuthal quantum number (l), which has its value from 0 to (n-1).

Magnetic quantum number (m), whose value ranges from negative l to positive l.

Spin quantum number (s), which determines the spin of an electron.

Consider an example.

If n = 2 (L shell),

l = 0 (2s), 1 (2p)

m = 0 (for l = 0) and -1, 0, 1 (for l = 1).

Now, according to your question, m = -3, which is possible when l = 3. And, l = 3 is possible when n = 4 (Since maximum value of l is n-1).

So, the principal quantum number is 4 (four).

THANKS!

Answer 2

Answer:

principal quantum number is 4