Question

Magnetic quantum number for the valence electron of sodium is

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : 0

The correct answer is 0.

• The magnetic quantum number for the valence electron of Sodium is 0.
• Sodium has 11 electrons, so the electron configuration of sodium is 1s²2s²2p⁶3s¹.
• The orbital is s orbital because the valence electron is in 3s orbital.
• So, the azimuthal quantum number is 0 because s orbital has only 1 electron.
• So, the magnetic quantum number will be 0.

• Magnetic quantum number:
  • The magnetic quantum number (symbol ml) is one of four quantum numbers in atomic physics.
  • The set is a principal quantum number, azimuthal quantum number, magnetic quantum number, and spin quantum number.
  • Together, they describe the unique quantum state of an electron.
  • The magnetic quantum number distinguishes the orbitals available within a subshell and is used to calculate the azimuthal component of the orientation of the orbital in space.
  • Electrons in a particular subshell (such as s, p, d, or f) are defined by values of ℓ (0, 1, 2, or 3).
  • The value of ml can range from -ℓ to +ℓ, including zero.
  • Thus the s, p, d, and f subshells contain 1, 3, 5, and 7 orbitals each, with values of m within the ranges 0, ±1, ±2, ±3 respectively.
  • Each of these orbitals can accommodate up to two electrons (with opposite spins), forming the basis of the periodic table.