The quantum mechanical model of the hydrogen atom requires that if the principal quantum number = 4,there will be permitted how many orbital magnetic quantum numbers?
A)4
B)6
C)8
D)7

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For a given principal quantum number n=4, the possible values of the azimuthal quantum number l are 0, 1, 2, and 3. Each l value has (2l+1) possible magnetic quantum numbers (ml). Adding them: 1 (for l=0) + 3 (for l=1) + 5 (for l=2) + 7 (for l=3) = 16. However, the question asks for the number of distinct ml values, which is 7 for l=3, the highest l value.

The Quantum Mechanical Model of the Hydrogen Atom Requires That