The orientation of an atomic orbital is governed by [2006]a)Spin quantum numberb)Magnetic quantum numberc)Principal quantum numberd)Azimuthal quantum numberCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

Principal Quantum Number represents the principal energy level or shell in which an electron revolves around the nucleus. It is denoted by the letter n and can have any integral value except the 0 i.e. n = 1, 2, 3, 4 … ….etc. The energies of the various principal shells will follow the sequence as :

K < l='' />< m='' />< n='' />< />

1 < 2='' />< 3='' />< 4='' />< 5…….='' />

Azimuthal Quantum Number
Azimuthal quantum number, also known as orbital quantum number determines the subshell to which an electron belongs. As a matter of result, the number of electronic jump increases and the number of lines at the same time.

For a given value of n, it can have any integral value ranging from 0 to n – 1.
For the 1st Shell, say K, n =1, you can have only one value i.e. l = 0
For the 2nd Shell, say L, n = 2, you can have two values i.e. l = 0 and 1
For the 3rd Shell, say M, n = 3, you can have three values i.e. l = 0, 1 and 2
For the 4th shells, say N, n = 4, you can have 4 values i.e. l = 0, 1, 2 and 3
Magnetic Quantum Number
Magnetic Quantum Number denoted by the symbol m is what represents the orientation of atomic orbital in space. The value of the Magnetic Quantum Number, m, depends on the value of l. Magnetic Quantum Number can have a total number of (2l + 1).

Answer

Explanation:

Magnetic Quantum Number:
- The orientation of an atomic orbital is governed by the magnetic quantum number.
- The magnetic quantum number, denoted by $m_l$, specifies the orientation of an orbital within a subshell.
- It can have integer values ranging from -l to +l, where l is the azimuthal quantum number.
- For example, in a p subshell (l = 1), the magnetic quantum number can have values of -1, 0, or +1, indicating the three different orientations of the p orbitals along the x, y, and z axes.

Relation with Orbital Orientation:
- The magnetic quantum number determines the spatial orientation of the orbital within a subshell.
- It helps in defining the shape and orientation of atomic orbitals in an atom.
- Different values of the magnetic quantum number correspond to different spatial orientations of the orbitals.

Principal Quantum Number:
- The principal quantum number, denoted by n, determines the energy level of an electron and the size of the orbital.
- It is related to the average distance of the electron from the nucleus.

Azimuthal Quantum Number:
- The azimuthal quantum number, denoted by l, determines the shape of the orbital.
- It also indicates the subshell in which the orbital is located.

In conclusion, the magnetic quantum number plays a crucial role in determining the orientation of an atomic orbital within a subshell. It helps in visualizing the spatial distribution of electrons in an atom and understanding the arrangement of orbitals in different energy levels.

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