Practice Quiz

AP Chemistry Exam Prep

Category - AP Chemistry

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Which of the following sets of quantum numbers is not possible for an electron?
  1. n = 4, l = 2, ml = -1, s=-1/2
  2. n = 3, l = 3, ml = -1, s=-1/2
  3. n = 2, l = 1, ml = 1, s=-1/2
  4. n = 5, l = 3, ml = -2, s=1/2
  5. n = 4, l = 3, ml = 2, s=1/2
Explanation
Answer: n = 3, l = 3, ml = -1, s=-1/2

"n" represents the principle quantum number and can be any positive integer. l represents the angular quantum number and can take any nonnegative value up to (n-1). With this information, it is clear that the set n = 3, l = 3, ml = -1, s=-1/2 is impossible because n and l have the same value.
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