I.

Atomic Orbitals and Quantum Numbers i. in order to completely describe orbitals, scientists use quantum numbers ii. quantum numbers: specify the properties of atomic orbitals and the properties of electrons in orbitals A. Principal Quantum Number i. principal quantum number: symbolized by n, indicates the main energy level occupied by the electrons ii. as n increases, the electrons energy and its average distance from the nucleus increase iii. the total number of orbitals that exist in a given shell, or main energy level, is equal to n2 B. Angular Momentum Quantum Number i. angular momentum quantum number: symbolized by l, indicates the shape of the orbital ii. for a specific main energy level, the number of orbital shapes is equal to n iii. the values of l allowed are zero and all positive integers less than or equal to n-1 iv. depending on its value of l, an orbital is assigned a letter l 0 1 2 3 v. C. i. ii. iii. D. i. ii. iii. letter s p d f shape spherical 2 lobes 4 lobes

each atomic orbital is designated by the principal quantum number followed by the letter of the sublevel Magnetic Quantum Number Atomic orbitals can have the same shape but different orientation around the nucleus Magnetic quantum number: symbolized by m, indicates the orientation of an orbital around the nucleus Values of m are whole numbers, including zero, from l to +l Spin Quantum Number the electron exists in two possible spin states, which creates a magnetic field spin quantum number: has only two possible values (+1/2, -1/2)which indicate the two fundamental spin states of an electron in an orbital a single orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons, but the two electrons must have opposite spin states