The principal quantum number n determines
- A. the shape of the orbital
- B. the main energy level and the average distance of the electron from the nucleus
- C. the orientation of the orbital in space
- D. the direction of electron spin
Explanation
The value of n fixes the shell, so a larger n means a higher energy and an electron held further out on average. Shape is set by the azimuthal quantum number l, orientation by the magnetic quantum number m, and spin by s. Knowing which of the four quantum numbers controls which property answers a large family of questions.
Related questions
Which set of quantum numbers is not possible?
The maximum number of electrons that can occupy the shell with n = 3 is
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The magnetic quantum number m for an electron in a 2p subshell can take the values