Atomic Structure: Explaining n=6 Shell & Largest Angular Momentum Quantum Number

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The n=6 shell in atomic structure has the largest angular momentum quantum number of l=5, which determines the shape of the electron orbitals. The possible values for l range from 0 to n-1, allowing for six values in total. The total number of electrons that can occupy the n=6 shell is calculated using the formula 2n^2, resulting in a maximum capacity of 72 electrons. This shell consists of various subshells, each contributing to the overall electron count based on their respective l values. Understanding these principles is essential for grasping atomic structure and electron configuration.
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I need a plain & simple explanation of atomic structure. For example, if I was to consider the n = 6 shell, what would be the largest angular momentum quantum number and how many electrons can be put in this shell?

Thanks for your insight!
 
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Physicsiscool said:
I need a plain & simple explanation of atomic structure. For example, if I was to consider the n = 6 shell, what would be the largest angular momentum quantum number and how many electrons can be put in this shell?

Thanks for your insight!


If n=6,l can have 6 values:0,1,2,3,4,5.Each of the "m"-s goes from -l->+l.And afer considering all possibilities for "m",multiply by 2 for each independent spin state. ("up"/"down").
n=6,l=0,m can only be 0 So u can have 2 electrons:one with spin up and one with spin down.
n=6,l=1,m can have 3 values:m=1,0-1.So u have 6 electrons in all.
n=6,l=2,m can have 5 values:m=2,...,-2.So u have 10 electrons in all.
n=6,l=3,m can have 7 values:m=3,...,-3.So u have 14 electrons in all.
n=6,l=4,m can have 9 values:m=4,...,-4.So u have 18 electrons in all.
n=6,l=5,m can have 11 values:m=5,...,-5.So u have 22 electrons in all.

The number of all electrons is:2+6+10+14+18+22=72.
 


Atomic structure refers to the arrangement of subatomic particles within an atom. Atoms are made up of a nucleus, which contains protons and neutrons, and electrons that orbit the nucleus in different energy levels or shells. The n=6 shell refers to the sixth energy level or shell in an atom, with n representing the principal quantum number.

The largest angular momentum quantum number in the n=6 shell is l=5. This quantum number determines the shape of the electron orbitals within the shell. The l value can range from 0 to n-1, so for the n=6 shell, the largest possible l value is 5.

The number of electrons that can be placed in the n=6 shell depends on the type of atom. Each energy level can hold a maximum number of electrons, with the formula 2n^2, where n is the principal quantum number. Therefore, the n=6 shell can hold a maximum of 2(6)^2 = 72 electrons.

I hope this helps to explain the atomic structure and the n=6 shell. Let me know if you have any further questions.
 
Time reversal invariant Hamiltonians must satisfy ##[H,\Theta]=0## where ##\Theta## is time reversal operator. However, in some texts (for example see Many-body Quantum Theory in Condensed Matter Physics an introduction, HENRIK BRUUS and KARSTEN FLENSBERG, Corrected version: 14 January 2016, section 7.1.4) the time reversal invariant condition is introduced as ##H=H^*##. How these two conditions are identical?

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