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ExamsJEE MainChemistry

Which of the following sets of quantum numbers represents the highest energy of an atom?

  1. n = 3, l = 0, m = 0, s = +1/2
  2. n = 3, l = 1, m = 1, s = +1/2
  3. n = 3, l = 2, m = 1, s = +1/2
  4. n = 4, l = 0, m = 0, s = +1/2

Correct answer: n = 3, l = 2, m = 1, s = +1/2

Solution

By the (n+l) rule: 3s (n+l=3), 3p (4), 3d (5), 4s (4). The 3d set has the highest n+l = 5, so n=3, l=2 represents the highest-energy orbital.

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