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Ch.7 - Quantum-Mechanical Model of the Atom
Chapter 7, Problem 82

Suppose that, in an alternate universe, the possible values of ml are the integer values including 0 ranging from -l -1 to l +1 (instead of simply -l to +l). How many orbitals exist in each sublevel? a. s sublevel b. p sublevel c. d sublevel

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Quantum Numbers

Quantum numbers are sets of numerical values that describe the unique quantum state of an electron in an atom. The four quantum numbers include the principal quantum number (n), azimuthal quantum number (l), magnetic quantum number (ml), and spin quantum number (ms). Each quantum number provides specific information about the electron's energy level, shape, orientation, and spin, which are essential for understanding electron configurations and orbital shapes.
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Sublevels and Orbitals

Sublevels are divisions of principal energy levels (n) in an atom, characterized by the azimuthal quantum number (l). Each sublevel corresponds to a specific type of orbital: s (l=0), p (l=1), d (l=2), and f (l=3). The number of orbitals within a sublevel is determined by the values of the magnetic quantum number (ml), which indicates the orientation of the orbitals in space. In the standard model, s has 1 orbital, p has 3, and d has 5.
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Modified Magnetic Quantum Number

In the given alternate universe scenario, the magnetic quantum number (ml) ranges from -l-1 to l+1, which expands the possible orientations of orbitals. For example, in the s sublevel (l=0), there is still 1 orbital; in the p sublevel (l=1), the range of ml would allow for 3 orbitals; however, in the d sublevel (l=2), the range would now include 5 additional orientations, resulting in a total of 7 orbitals. This modification alters the traditional understanding of orbital availability in each sublevel.
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