Chapter 5, Problem 39A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The atomic orbital needs to be explained.

Concept introduction: An atomic orbital explains the position of an electron in an atom. An atomic orbital can be occupied by a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins. The four basic atomic orbitals are s, p, d, and f . The number of electrons in each orbital can be explained with the help of quantum numbers. There are four quantum numbers; principal quantum number ( n ), azimuthal quantum number ( l ), magnetic quantum number ( $m_l$ ), and spin quantum number ( s ). Here for any value of n, $l=n-1$ and values of $m_l$ is from -l to + l . spin quantum number explains the spin of the electron in an atomic orbital. It can be either +1/2 or -1/2.

Answer to Problem 39A

  $2s<3p<4s<3d$

Explanation of Solution

The given atomic orbital is $3p^3$ . Here, 3 indicates a principal quantum number. Thus, the value of n is 3. Since the azimuthal quantum number is $l=n-1$ or $l=3-1=2$ . Now, the value of the magnetic quantum number varies from -l to +l; thus, the values are -2, -1, 0, 1, 2.

In the given question, $3p^3$ indicates the p orbital of the principal quantum number. Here, $p^3$ indicates the presence of 3 electrons in the magnetic quantum mechanisms.

The sketch of the $3p^3$

orbital can be represented as follows:

  

Conclusion

Therefore, $3p^3$ orbital is p orbital for the atomic shell with a principal quantum number equal to 3. Here, p shell has three subshells. There will be one single electron in each subshell of p .