What is the maximum number of orbitals that can be identified with the following quantum numbers ? `n = 3, l = 1, m_l = 0`.

Options

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Answer

A

Explanation

(a) The value of n=3 and l=1 suggests that it is a 3p-orbital while the value f `m_(l)=0` [magnetic quantum number ] shows that the given 3p-orbital is `3p_(z)` in nature.

Hence, the maximum number of orbitals identified by the given quantum number is only 1, i.e. `3p_(z)`.