The orbitals are denoted by the letters s, p, d and f depending upon the value of l as follows:
Value of l |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
Orbital |
s |
p |
d |
f |
While denoting any orbital belonging to any particular principal quantum number (n), the value of n is written before the symbol s, p, d and f.
(a) Here, n = 1 and l = 0
Thus the orbital is described as 1s
(b) Here, n = 3 and l = 1
Therefore, the orbital is described as 3p
(c) Here, n = 2 and l = 2
Therefore, the orbital is described as 4d
(d) Here, n = 4 and l = 3
Therefore, the orbital is described as 4f.