2/25/2013

Quantum Numbers
Section 3.4

Today’s Learning Goals:

I will be able to describe the electron configurations of a variety
of elements in the periodic table, using the
concept of energy levels in shells and subshells,
as well as the Pauli exclusion principle, Hund’s
rule, and the Aufbau principle.

What are Quantum Numbers?

A set of 4 numbers that describe various properties of an
orbital. They are solutions to Schrodinger’s Wave Equation

These numbers are like addresses for locating the position of
an electron in an atom.

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First - The Principal Number, n

The symbol, n, is used to label the energy level
(a.k.a. shell or orbital)

The Aufbau Principle tells us that when building

energy diagrams we always start at the lowest
energy level and then build up.

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Second - The Secondary Quantum

Number, l (lower case L)
Value Sublevel Number

Describes additional of l symbol of
electron energy orbitals
sublevels or subshells 0 s 1
that form part of the “sharp”

main energy level 1 p 3

“principal”

And the shape of the 2 d 5

orbital “diffuse”

3 f 7
“fundamental”

Each orbital has its

own energy level

“s” orbitals are
lower in energy
than “p” orbitals
and so on

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Using Our Friend the PT

Third - The Magnetic Quantum Number,

ml

Tells us the direction of the electron orbit

It ranges from +l to –l (tells us the # of
orientations of orbits possible)

Hund’s Rule tells us that we have to half fill
orbitals before we can completely fill them.

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Fourth - The Spin Quantum Number ms

The Pauli exclusion principle states:

In a given atom, no two electrons can have
the same set of 4 QN (n, l, ml and ms)

When 2 e- share an orbital they always go in
opposite directions

The value of ms can only be – ½ or + ½

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Na O Cr

A look at QN

How many possible values of ml are there for n=3?

How many possible sets of 4 QN are there for the first 40

elements?

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Seatwork

Pg. 159 #1, 3-9, 11