Consider the four quantum numbers of an electron in an atom, n, l, ml, and m_s. The energy of an electron in an isolated atom depends on A) n only. B) n and l only. C) n, l, and ml only. D) l, ml, and ms only. E) all four quantum numbers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energy of an electron in an isolated atom depends only on the value of the principal quantum number (n). The other quantum numbers (l, ml, and m_s) determine the shape, orientation, and spin of the electron's wave function, but do not directly affect its energy.

Consider the Four Quantum Numbers of an Electron in an Atom