Question

Which of the four quantum number ( n , l , ml , ms) determine (a) the energy of orbital in hydrogen atom and in multi–electron atom, (b) the size of orbital, (c) the shape of an orbital, (d) the orientation of orbital in space, (e) orientation of the spin of the electron?

Answer 1

( a ) Energy of multi - electron atom = l

( b ) Size of the orbital = n

( c ) Shape of the orbital = n

( d ) Orientation of orbit in space = ml

( e ) Orientation of the spin of the electron = ms

Answer 2

a) Energy of orbital: in hydrogen atom and in multi–electron atom: Principal Quantum Number (n) where  n = 1, 2, 3, …, ∞ determines the energy of the electron.  

b) Size of orbital: Principal Quantum Number (n) where  n = 1, 2, 3, …, ∞ determines the size of the orbital. The number of the orbitals for n = ${ n }^{ 2 }$.

c) Shape of an orbital: Azimuthal Quantum Number (l):  l = 0, ..., n-1 determines the shape of an orbital.

d) Orientation of orbital in space: It is determined by the Magnetic Quantum Number (ml):  ml = -l, ..., 0, ..., +l

e) Orientation of  spin of the electrons: It is determined by the Spin Quantum Number (ms):  ms = +½ or -½.