which characteristic is given by the principal quantum number? \n orbital size \n orbital mass \n orbital…
which characteristic is given by the principal quantum number? \n orbital size \n orbital mass \n orbital shape \n orbital orientation
Answer
Brief Explanations:
To determine the characteristic given by the principal quantum number ($n$), we analyze each option:
- Orbital size: The principal quantum number $n$ is related to the energy level and the size of the orbital. As $n$ increases, the orbital size (the average distance of the electron from the nucleus) increases.
- Orbital mass: Quantum numbers do not describe the mass of the orbital. The mass of electrons (or other particles) is a constant property, and quantum numbers deal with energy levels, shapes, orientations, etc., not mass.
- Orbital shape: The azimuthal quantum number ($l$) determines the shape of the orbital (e.g., $l = 0$ for s - orbital (spherical), $l = 1$ for p - orbital (dumb - bell shaped), etc.).
- Orbital orientation: The magnetic quantum number ($m_l$) determines the orientation of the orbital in space.
So, the principal quantum number gives the orbital size.
Answer:
A. orbital size