Which one of the following sets of quantum numbers can correctly represent a 3p orbital? a) (n = 3 l = 1, ml = 2) b) (n = 1, l = 3, ml = 3) c) (n = 3, l = 2, ml = 1) d) (n = 3, l = 1, ml = - 1) e) (n = 3, l = 0, ml = 1)

d) (n = 3, l = 1, mₗ = - 1)

Explanation:

A 3p orbital must have n = 3.

That eliminates Option (a), because it has n = 1.

A p orbital must have l = 1.

That eliminates Options (b), (c), and (e), because they have l = 3, 2, and 0.

The only correct option is

n = 3, l = 1, mₗ = - 1