Question

Which of the following sets of quantum numbers represents the highest energy of an atom?
(a) n = 3, l = 0, m = 0, s = + 1/2
(b) n = 3, l = 1, m = 1, s = + 1/2
(c) n = 3, l = 2, m = 1, s = + 1/2
(d) n = 4, l = 0, m = 0, s = + 1/2 .

Answer 1

(c) : n = 3, l = 0 represents 3s orbital
n = 3, l = 1 represents 3p orbital
n = 3, l = 2 represents 3d orbital
n = 4, l = 0 represents 4s orbital
The order of increasing energy of the orbitals is 3s < 3p < 4s < 3d.