Question

The number of degenerate orbitals present in an energy level of a h-atom characterized by e = r 16 where r is the rydberg constant is:

Answer 1

En= -Rh  {1/n^2}

So if n2 = 16

n = 4

n is the principal quantum number. It means we have to find out the number of orbitals at energy level =4

Number of orbital is find out by 2l + 1 rule.

For n = 4 , possible value of l = 0 to 3

Number of orbital when l =0 is (2 x 0 +1 ) = 1

Number of orbital when l = 1 is (2 x 1 +1 ) = 3

Number of orbital when l = 2 is (2 x 2 +1 ) = 5

Number of orbital when l = 3 is (2 x 3 +1 ) = 7

So, total sixteen orbital.

Note here that we are calling total 16 orbital. Generally degenarate orbital is the term used for orbital with equal energy like px, py and pz or 5 -d orbitals etc.