Which of the following sets lists all possible values of the angular momentum quantum number l for the principal quantum number n = 3?

• A. 0, 1, 2
• B. 1, 2
• C. 1, 2, 3
• D. 0, 1, 2, 3

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the principal quantum number \(n\) determines the energy level or shell of an electron in an atom, and it can take positive integer values: \(n = 1, 2, 3, \ldots\).
2. Understand that the angular momentum quantum number \(l\) defines the shape of the orbital and can take integer values from \$0\( up to \)n-1\( for a given principal quantum number \)n$.
3. For \(n = 3\), list all possible values of \(l\) by starting at 0 and going up to \(n-1 = 3-1 = 2\).
4. Therefore, the possible values of \(l\) are \$0, 1,\( and \)2$.
5. Match this set of values to the options provided to identify the correct answer.