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-   -   Quantum number and electronic configuration (http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=280684)

 KFC Dec19-08 04:48 PM

Quantum number and electronic configuration

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
The problem is: find all possible quantum numbers for each electronic configure of carbon.

2. The attempt at a solution
I don't quite understand what the question is asking. Does it ask first write down the electronic configuration and write down all quantum number combination? Like the following

The electronic configuration for carbon is $$1S^2 2S^2 2P^2$$

1) n=1, l=0
because 2s+1=2 => s=1/2
ms = 1/2, -1/2

2) n=2, l=0 or 1

so,

n=2, l=0, ms=1/2, -1/2

n=2, l=1, ms=1/2, -1/2

 Redbelly98 Dec20-08 11:20 AM

Re: Quantum number and electronic configuration

Looks good for the most part, but there is also ml to consider.

 KFC Dec20-08 12:52 PM

Re: Quantum number and electronic configuration

Quote:
 Quote by Redbelly98 (Post 2008680) Looks good for the most part, but there is also ml to consider.
ml? What's that?

 Redbelly98 Dec20-08 01:18 PM

Re: Quantum number and electronic configuration

You can think of it as describing the orientation of the orbital, and is related to l which describes the orbital's shape.

http://www.vectorsite.net/tpqm_04.html

 KFC Dec20-08 09:28 PM

Re: Quantum number and electronic configuration

Quote:
 Quote by Redbelly98 (Post 2008775) You can think of it as describing the orientation of the orbital, and is related to l which describes the orbital's shape. http://www.vectorsite.net/tpqm_04.html
Thanks

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