For an electron with principal quantum number n = 5, how many different values of the angular momentum quantum number l are possible?

• A. 4
• B. 5
• C. 1
• D. 6

Answer: (B)

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.
2. The angular momentum quantum number \(l\) can take integer values starting from 0 up to \(n-1\) for a given principal quantum number \(n\).
3. Write the possible values of \(l\) for \(n=5\): \(l = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4\).
4. Count the number of possible \(l\) values: since \(l\) ranges from 0 to 4, there are 5 possible values.
5. Therefore, the number of different angular momentum quantum numbers \(l\) for \(n=5\) is 5.