Question

For which one has set of quantum numbers an electron will have the highest energy?

Answer 1

Hello There!

To answer this question, I expect some options, which is missing in your question; so, I'm just telling the way to determine the energy of an electron in an orbit, when a set of quantum numbers are given.

We know, that Principal Quantum Number is represented by n, Azimuthal Quantum Number is l.

The energy of a shell is determined by the value of n + l (Principal Quantum Number + Azimuthal Quantum Number).

Consider the example:

You need to determine, which has highest energy:

(1) n = 2, l = 1.

(2) n = 1, l = 0.

The answer definitely is Option (1).

n + l value of (1) is 3, whereas that of (2) is 1.

So, (1) > (2).

You must have given the options to get the perfect answer.

Anyways, hope this helps..

Thanks!