How many electron states (including spin states) are possible in a hydrogen atom if its energy is -3.4 eV?
A)2
B)4
C)6
D)8
E)10

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy level of -3.4 eV corresponds to the second energy level (n=2) in a hydrogen atom. For n=2, the possible values of the azimuthal quantum number (l) are 0 and 1. For l=0, there is 1 orbital (ml=0) and 2 spin states, giving 2 states. For l=1, there are 3 orbitals (ml=-1,0,1) and 2 spin states each, giving 6 states. In total, there are 2 + 6 = 8 states.

How Many Electron States (Including Spin States) Are Possible in a Hydrogen