Which of the following statements concerning the four quantum numbers is false?

Options

A. n gives idea of the size of an orbital
B. l gives the shape of an orbital
C. m gives the energy of the electron in the orbital
D. s gives the direction of spin of the electron in an orbital

Answer

To determine which of the statements concerning the four quantum numbers is false, we will analyze each statement related to the quantum numbers: principal quantum number (n), azimuthal quantum number (l), magnetic quantum number (m), and spin quantum number (s).

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Quantum Numbers**:
- Quantum numbers are a set of four numbers that describe the properties of electrons in atoms. They are:
- Principal quantum number (n)
- Azimuthal quantum number (l)
- Magnetic quantum number (m)
- Spin quantum number (s)

2. **Analyzing Each Statement**:
- **Statement A**: "n gives the idea of the size of an orbital."
- This statement is **true**. The principal quantum number (n) indicates the size and energy level of the orbital. Higher values of n correspond to larger orbitals.

- **Statement B**: "l determines the shape of the different orbitals."
- This statement is **true**. The azimuthal quantum number (l) defines the shape of the orbital. For example, l = 0 corresponds to an s orbital (spherical), l = 1 corresponds to a p orbital (dumbbell-shaped), and l = 2 corresponds to d orbitals (various shapes).

- **Statement C**: "m gives the energy of the electron in the orbital."
- This statement is **false**. The magnetic quantum number (m) describes the orientation of the orbital in a magnetic field, not the energy of the electron. The energy of an electron in an orbital is influenced by n and l, but not directly by m.

- **Statement D**: "s gives the direction of the spin of the electron in an orbital."
- This statement is **true**. The spin quantum number (s) indicates the spin orientation of the electron, which can be either +1/2 (spin up) or -1/2 (spin down).

3. **Conclusion**:
- The false statement among the options is **Statement C**: "m gives the energy of the electron in the orbital." The magnetic quantum number does not provide information about energy; it relates to the orientation of the orbital.

### Final Answer:
The false statement concerning the four quantum numbers is **Statement C**.

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