Quick question about orbital angular momentum

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the energy and orbital angular momentum of a hydrogen atom in the 6f state. The energy (E) is determined to be -0.378 using the formula for energy levels in hydrogen. The confusion arises regarding the orbital angular momentum (L), where the correct value is derived from the quantum number l, which is 3 for the f orbital, leading to L = sqrt(12)*h-bar. The term "f" indicates that the orbital angular momentum quantum number l is 3, as it corresponds to the f subshell.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with hydrogen atom energy levels
  • Knowledge of quantum numbers (n, l, m)
  • Basic grasp of angular momentum in quantum systems
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  • Study the quantum numbers and their significance in atomic orbitals
  • Learn about the hydrogen atom's energy level calculations
  • Explore the relationship between quantum numbers and angular momentum
  • Investigate the implications of different subshells (s, p, d, f) in quantum mechanics
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Students of quantum mechanics, physicists, and anyone interested in atomic structure and angular momentum calculations.

Linus Pauling
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I was asked for the energy and orbital angular momentum of a hydrogen atom in the 6f state. Thus, with n = 6 I found E to be -0.378, a straightforward calculation.

I am confused about L, though. L = sqrt[l(l+1)]. Since n = 6, I thought l = n-1, so L would be sqrt(30)*h-bar, but the answer is sqrt(12)*h-bar, so l must be 3. Why?
 
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The quantum number l can range from 0 to n-1, so the fact that n=6 only tells you l could be any integer from 0 to 5. What does the "f" stand for in "6f"?
 

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