QUANTUM NUMBERS
NAME = ANUJ
CLASS = 11TH
Quantum numbers:
There are a set of four quantum numbers which specifythe
energy, size, shape and orientation of an orbital. To specify an
orbital only three quantum numbers are required whileto
specify an electron all four quantum numbers are required.
Principal quantum number (n): It identifies shell,
determines sizes and energy of orbitals.
Azimuthal quantum number (l): Azimuthal quantum
number. l is also known as orbital angular momentum or
subsidiary quantum number. l. It identifies sub-shell,
determines the shape of orbitals, energy of orbitals in multi-
electron atoms along with rincipal quantum number and orbital
angular
momentum, i.e., The number of orbitals in a subshell =
2l + 1. For a given value of n, it can have n values ranging
from 0 to n-1. Total number of subshells in a particular shell is
equal to the value of n.
Subshell s p d f g
notation
Value of l 0 1 2 3 4
Number of 1 3 5 7 9
orbitals
Magnetic quantum number or Magnetic orbital
quantum number (ml): Itgives information about the spatial
orientation of the orbital with respect tostandard set of co-
ordinate [Link] any sub-shell (defined by l value) 2l+1 values
of ml are [Link] each value of l, ml = l, (l 1), (l 2)...
0,1...(l 2), (l 1), l
Electron spin quantum number (ms): It refers to
orientation of the spin of theelectron. It can have two values
+1/2 and -1/2. +1/2 identifies the clockwisespin and -1/2
identifies the anti- clockwise spin.
Nodal surfaces or simply nodes:
The region where this probability density function reduces to
zero is called nodal surfaces or simply nodes.
Radial nodes: Radial nodes occur when the probability
density of wave functionfor the electron is zero on a spherical
surface of a particular radius. Numberof radial nodes = n l 1
Angular nodes: Angular nodes occur when the probability
density wavefunction for the electron is zero along the
directions specified by a particularangle. Number of angular
nodes = l
Total number of nodes = n 1
Degenerate orbitals: Orbitals having the same energy are
called degenerateorbitals. Shape of p and d-orbitals
Shielding effect or screening effect:
Due to the presence of electrons in theinner shells, the electron
in the outer shell will not experience the full positivecharge on
the nucleus. So, due to the screening effect, the net positive
charge experienced by theelectron from the nucleus is lowered
and is known as effective nuclear charge. Effective nuclear
charge experienced by the orbital decreases with increase of
azimuthal quantum number (l).
Aufbau Principle:
In the ground state of the atoms, the orbitals are filled inorder
of their increasing energies
n+l rule-Orbitals with lower value of (n+l) have lower energy. If
two orbitals have the same value of (n+l) then orbital with lower
value of nwill have lower energy.
The order in which the orbitals are filled isas follows:
1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 4f, 5d, 6p, 7s...
Pauli Exclusion Principle:
No two electrons in an atom can have the same setof four
quantum numbers. Only two electrons may exist in the same
orbitaland these electrons must have opposite spin.
Hunds rule of maximum multiplicity:
Pairing of electrons in the orbitalsbelonging to the same
subshell (p, d or f) does not take place until eachorbital
belonging to that subshell has got one electron each i.e., it is
singlyoccupied.
Electronic configuration of atoms:
Arrangement of electrons in different orbitals of an atom. The
electronic configuration of differentatoms can be represented in
two ways. a. sapbdc...... notation.
b. Orbital diagram:, each orbital of the subshell is represented
by a box and the electron is represented by an arrow (?) a
positive spin or an arrow (?) a negative spin.
Stability of completely filled and half filled subshells:
a. Symmetrical distribution of electrons- the completely filled or
half filled sub-shells have symmetrical distribution of electrons
in them and are more stable.
b. Exchange energy-The two or more electrons with the same
spin present in the degenerate orbitals of a sub-shell can
exchange their position and the energy released due to this
exchange is called exchange energy. The number of exchanges
is maximum when the subshell is either half filled or completely
filled. As a result the exchange energy is maximum and so is
the stability.
