Each of the following sets of quantum numbers is supposed to specify an orbital. Choose the one set of quantum numbers that does not contain an error.

A) n=2, l=2, ml=+1

B) n=3, l=2, ml=-3

C) n=4, l=3, ml = - 2

D) n=2, l=2, ml=0

E) n=4, l=2, ml=+4

C) n=4, l=3, ml = - 2

Explanation:

The information given are:

principal quantum number (n)

Azimuthal or Secondary quantum number (l)

magnetic quantum number (ml)

Orbitals in an atoms are usually designated by a set of four quantum numbers derived from schrodinger wave equation. These numbers gives the position of an orbital, shape of the orbital, its spatial orientation, and the spin of the electrons in the orbital.

The principal quantum number (n) represents the main energy level in which the orbital is located. They a take numbers; n = 1,2,3,4,5,6 e. t. c

Azimuthal quantum number (l) gives the shape of the orbitals in subshells accommodating electrons. For any given n value, l = n-1.

Magnetic quantum number gives the spatial orientation or degeneracy of the orbitals in the subshell.

From the problem:

Given n = 4,

since l = n-1, l = 4-1 = 3

ml = - 3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3