Given the subshells 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p and 3d, identify those that meet the following descriptions. (a) Has l = 2

Key Concepts

Quantum Numbers

Quantum numbers are a set of numerical values that describe the unique quantum state of an electron in an atom. The principal quantum number (n) indicates the energy level, while the azimuthal quantum number (l) defines the shape of the orbital. Each subshell corresponds to a specific value of l, which can range from 0 to n-1.

Subshells and Orbital Shapes

Subshells are divisions of electron shells that contain orbitals of the same energy level. Each subshell is characterized by a specific l value: s (l=0), p (l=1), d (l=2), and f (l=3). The shape of the orbitals varies with l, where d orbitals (l=2) have a more complex shape compared to s and p orbitals.

Identification of Subshells

To identify subshells based on their angular momentum quantum number (l), one must match the l value to the corresponding subshell type. For instance, a subshell with l=2 corresponds to the d subshell. In the given question, the only subshell that meets the criterion of l=2 is the 3d subshell.