Give the numerical values of n and l corresponding to each of the following orbital designations: (d) 5d.

Key Concepts

Quantum Numbers

Quantum numbers are a set of numerical values that describe the unique quantum state of an electron in an atom. They include the principal quantum number (n), which indicates the energy level, and the azimuthal quantum number (l), which defines the shape of the orbital. Each orbital designation corresponds to specific values of these quantum numbers.

Principal Quantum Number (n)

The principal quantum number (n) indicates the main energy level of an electron in an atom. It can take positive integer values (1, 2, 3, ...), with higher values corresponding to higher energy levels and greater distances from the nucleus. For the 5d orbital, n is 5, indicating it is in the fifth energy level.

Azimuthal Quantum Number (l)

The azimuthal quantum number (l) determines the shape of the orbital and can take integer values from 0 to (n-1). Each value of l corresponds to a specific type of orbital: 0 for s, 1 for p, 2 for d, and 3 for f. For the 5d orbital, l is 2, indicating it is a d-type orbital.