What is the upper limit of electrons in an orbital where m (magnetic quantum number) = 3 ?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: D. 2
Explanation
Regardless of the magnetic quantum number m, any individual orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons with opposite spins. The Pauli exclusion principle dictates that no two identical electrons in an atom can share the exact same four quantum numbers. A specific orbital defined by quantum numbers contains space for only a spin-up and a spin-down electron. The magnetic quantum number specifies the particular spatial orientation of an orbital within a given subshell. Electron spin is a fundamental quantum property with two allowed states designated as positive and negative half-values. Quantum mechanics limits the population of each distinct orbital to precisely two paired electrons.
Option A suggests 6 electrons, which is the total maximum capacity of an entire p-subshell containing three orbitals. Option B proposes 4 electrons, which does not correspond to any standard orbital or subshell electron capacity limit. Option C lists 3 electrons, violating the Pauli exclusion principle by exceeding the maximum pairing limit per orbital.
Related questions
Q1. The wave nature and wavelength of moving electrons was experimentally verified by_________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: B. Davisson and Germer
The wave nature of electrons and their diffraction were famously demonstrated in experiments by Davisson and Germer. Their landmark cathode ray experiment proved that particles can exhibit wave-like interference patterns...
Q2. What name is given to the sudden expansion of plasma ?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: C. Joule Thompson effect
The Joule-Thomson effect describes temperature changes in real gases undergoing expansion. Forcing a gas through a porous plug or valve causes a drop in pressure and temperature. This sudden expansion phenomenon results...
Q3. Identify the chemical symbol for Tungsten.
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: D. W
The chemical symbol for tungsten is W, derived from its old German name wolfram. Standard elemental nomenclature sometimes retains historical Latin or Germanic names rather than English terms. Using the letter W prevents...
Q4. The normal atmospheric pressure at sea level at 0°C is______?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: D. All of these
Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is equivalent to 1 atm, 760 Torr, and 76 cm of Hg. These various units represent identical physical pressures measured using different historical barometric scales. Conversion f...
Q5. By what term are metal-bearing rocks known?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: D. Ores
Metal-bearing rocks contain high concentrations of valuable mineral compounds. These naturally occurring solid materials are economically viable to mine and process. Extraction metallurgists refer to these metal-bearing...
Q6. Vapour pressure remains unaffected by_______________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. Surface area
Vapour pressure depends on temperature and intermolecular forces, but is independent of the exposed surface area of the liquid. Although a larger surface area increases the total rate of evaporation, the equilibrium vapo...