quantum numbers

Question

a.) List all of the possible values for l in the 2^nd energy level (n = 2). Leave fields blank if they are not needed.

Answer 1

For the 2nd energy level (n = 2), you can have s and p orbitals. Thus, the values of l can be...

0, 1 (0 for the s orbital and 1 for the p orbital)

Answer 2

When n = 2, l can be 0 or 1.

The Principal Quantum Number (n) describes the size and energy of the electron shell. n = 2 corresponds with the second period (row) of the periodic table, beginning with lithium (1s²2s¹) and ending with neon (1s²2s²2p⁶). In electron configurations, n values are given as the coefficients (ex. the 1 in 1s²).

The Angular Momentum Quantum Number (l) specifies the shape(s) of the subshell(s) of orbitals. It's value is always related to n because l can take on integer values between 0 and n - 1. When n = 2, l can be 0 or 1. l = 0 corresponds with s (spherical) subshells and l = 1 corresponds with p (dumbbell or lobed) subshells. In electron configurations, l values are given as the letters (ex. the s in 1s²).