Which quantum number determines the shape of an orbital?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Azimuthal quantum number
- Step 1: The quantum mechanical state of an electron in an atom is defined by four fundamental quantum numbers: , , , and .
- Step 2: The azimuthal (orbital angular momentum) quantum number defines the angular wave function and determines the geometric shape of the electron orbital ( is spherical, is dumbbell-shaped, is double dumbbell).
- Step 3: In contrast, the principal quantum number specifies orbital size and energy, while the magnetic quantum number dictates spatial orientation.
Answer
Azimuthal quantum number.
Why not the others: Spin quantum number () determines the intrinsic spin angular momentum orientation of an electron ( or ); Magnetic quantum number () specifies the spatial orientation of an orbital in a magnetic field; Principal quantum number () determines the main energy level and average orbital radius.
Practise more Atomic structure.
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