Multiple Choice
For the quantum numbers n = 3 and l = 2, how many orbitals are described by this combination?
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9. Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Numbers: Number of Electrons
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
What is the maximum number of electrons that a single orbital can contain?
A
6
B
1
C
4
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that an orbital is a region in an atom where there is a high probability of finding an electron. Each orbital is defined by a set of quantum numbers.
Understand the Pauli Exclusion Principle, which states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers. This limits the number of electrons per orbital.
Each orbital can hold electrons with opposite spins, meaning one electron has spin quantum number +1/2 and the other has -1/2.
Therefore, the maximum number of electrons that a single orbital can contain is 2, because it can accommodate two electrons with opposite spins.
This is a fundamental concept in atomic structure and helps explain the arrangement of electrons in atoms.
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