Possible Quantum Number Combinations for 2p State

[fluidistic]

Homework Statement

List all possible values for the quantum numbers n, l, m_l and m_s for a state 2p. If an atom has 2 electrons 2p, how many states are there?

Homework Equations

Simple ones.

The Attempt at a Solution

n=2.
l=1.
m_l=-1, 0, 1.
m_s=-1/2, 1/2.
Now I'm confused on how to answer the question.
2 electrons in 2p means 2 electrons with quantum numbers:
(n,l,m_l,m_s)=
(2,1,-1,1/2) and (2,1,-1,-1/2)
or (2,1,-1,-1/2) and (2,1,-1,-1/2)
or (2,1,-1,1/2) and (2,1,0,1/2)
or (2,1,-1,1/2) and (2,1,0,-1/2)
or (2,1,0,1/2) and (2,1,-1,1/2)
or etc.
I mean an electron can have a certain m_l while the other can have any other m_l incuding the same m_l as the first electron. When they have the same m_l, they must have opposite spin. Is this ok?

 

[dextercioby]

Yes, the only requirement is that the electrons must not have the same quantum numbers. If 3 of them are identical, the 4th is forced to have different values among them.

 

[fluidistic]

Yes, the only requirement is that the electrons must not have the same quantum numbers. If 3 of them are identical, the 4th is forced to have different values among them.

Ok thank you.