An atom has completely filled inner shells and a single valence electron in an excited p state.The filled inner shells have an orbital momentum equal to zero.A magnetic field is applied,defining the z-axis along the field.Which of the following sets of angles are possible angles between the magnetic field and the orbital angular momentum?
A) 45°
B) 90°
C) 45°, 90°
D) 45°, 135°
E) 45°, 90°, 135°

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The orbital angular momentum of an electron in a p state can take on orientations that correspond to the magnetic quantum numbers m_l = -1, 0, +1. These correspond to angles of 90°, and the combination of 45° and 135° with respect to the z-axis when a magnetic field is applied. This is because the projection of the angular momentum vector on the z-axis can have three values, leading to these possible angles for its orientation.

An Atom Has Completely Filled Inner Shells and a Single