The magnetic quantum number m for an electron in a 2p subshell can take the values

  • A. 0 only
  • B. minus 1, 0 and plus 1
  • C. minus 2 to plus 2
  • D. plus 1 only

Explanation

The magnetic quantum number runs from minus l to plus l, and for a p subshell l equals 1, giving three values that correspond to the three perpendicular orientations of the p orbital. A d subshell with l equal to 2 would give five values. The number of values is always 2l plus 1.

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