Chapter 3, Problem 3.73QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The quantum numbers which define a shell and a subshell should be identified.

Concept Introduction:

The electron density gives the probability of finding an electron in a particular region in an atom.  An atomic orbital is the region of three-dimensional space, defined by ψ² (the square of the wave function, ψ), where the probability of finding an electron is high.  An atomic orbital can accommodate a maximum of two electrons.

A wave function for an electron in an atom is called an atomic orbital; this atomic orbital describes a region of space in which there is a high probability of finding the electron.  Energy changes within an atom are the result of an electron changing from a wave pattern with one energy to a wave pattern with a different energy (usually accompanied by the absorption or emission of a photon of light).

Each electron in an atom is described by four different quantum numbers. The first three (n, l, m_l) specify the particular orbital of interest, and the fourth (m_s) specifies how many electrons can occupy that orbital.