Of the following states, 5s, 3p, 4f, 5p, 4g, 3d, and 2p, the one which is NOT allowed is
A) 3p
B) 4f
C) 3d
D) 4g
E) 2p

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The quantum numbers for atomic orbitals include the principal quantum number (n), the azimuthal (angular momentum) quantum number (l), the magnetic quantum number (m_l), and the spin quantum number (m_s). The azimuthal quantum number (l) can have values from 0 to n-1. For any given value of n, l ranges from 0 to n-1, where l=0 corresponds to s orbitals, l=1 to p orbitals, l=2 to d orbitals, and l=3 to f orbitals. The "g" orbital would correspond to l=4, which is not possible for n=4 because the maximum value of l for n=4 is 3 (f orbital). Therefore, the 4g state is not allowed according to quantum mechanics.

Of the Following States, 5s, 3p, 4f, 5p, 4g, 3d