Chapter 3: Problem 12
The minimum angular momentum of an electron with the magnetic quantum numbers \(-1,0,+1\) is _______.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The minimum angular momentum of an electron with magnetic quantum numbers -1, 0, and +1 is L = sqrt(2) * h_bar.
Step by step solution
01
Analyze the given information
The magnetic quantum numbers provided are -1, 0, and +1. These numbers correspond to the different orientations of the electron's orbit in a given subshell.
02
Determine the possible values of orbital quantum number l
The magnetic quantum number (m) ranges from -l to +l, where l is the orbital quantum number. In this case, we have m = -1, 0, and +1. Since the range of m includes -1 and +1, the minimum value for the orbital quantum number l must be 1.
03
Calculate the minimum angular momentum using the formula
The formula for the magnitude of angular momentum (L) is:
L = sqrt(l(l + 1)) * h_bar
where l is the orbital quantum number and h_bar is the reduced Planck's constant, given by h_bar = h / 2π, with h being the Planck's constant.
Now, plug in the minimum value of l (l = 1):
L = sqrt(1(1 + 1)) * h_bar
04
Simplify the expression for L
L = sqrt(2) * h_bar
So, the minimum angular momentum of an electron with magnetic quantum numbers -1, 0, and +1 is:
L = sqrt(2) * h_bar
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Magnetic Quantum Numbers
The magnetic quantum numbers are fundamental components of quantum mechanics, which provide information about the orientation of the orbital where an electron is located. Specifically, they refer to the projection of the orbital angular momentum in a given direction, usually the direction of a magnetic field. These numbers are designated by the symbol 'm' and can have integer values ranging from -l to +l, including zero. The number 'l' here is the orbital quantum number, which represents the shape of the electron's orbital.
For example, for an electron in a 'p' orbital where the orbital quantum number is l = 1, the magnetic quantum numbers can be m = -1, 0, or +1, indicating the three possible orientations of the 'p' orbital in three-dimensional space. The concept is vital because it helps to explain the magnetic properties of atoms and how electrons are distributed in different atomic orbitals.
For example, for an electron in a 'p' orbital where the orbital quantum number is l = 1, the magnetic quantum numbers can be m = -1, 0, or +1, indicating the three possible orientations of the 'p' orbital in three-dimensional space. The concept is vital because it helps to explain the magnetic properties of atoms and how electrons are distributed in different atomic orbitals.
Orbital Quantum Number
The orbital quantum number, denoted by 'l', is integral to understanding the angular momentum of an electron within an atom. It determines the shape and number of subshell orbitals within a principal energy level. The value of 'l' is dependent on the principal quantum number 'n', and it can take on any integer value from 0 to n-1. For instance, if n = 2, then l can be either 0 or 1, corresponding to 's' and 'p' orbitals, respectively.
Each value of the orbital quantum number is associated with a particular type of orbital shape: 's' orbitals (l = 0) are spherical, 'p' orbitals (l = 1) have a dumbbell shape, and so on with 'd' (l = 2) and 'f' (l = 3) orbitals becoming more complex. The orbital quantum number is directly linked to the angular momentum of the electron, which is quantized in atomic systems and plays a crucial role in the chemical behavior and bonding of atoms.
Each value of the orbital quantum number is associated with a particular type of orbital shape: 's' orbitals (l = 0) are spherical, 'p' orbitals (l = 1) have a dumbbell shape, and so on with 'd' (l = 2) and 'f' (l = 3) orbitals becoming more complex. The orbital quantum number is directly linked to the angular momentum of the electron, which is quantized in atomic systems and plays a crucial role in the chemical behavior and bonding of atoms.
Reduced Planck's Constant
The reduced Planck's constant, often represented by the symbol \( h_{\text{bar}} \), is a fundamental constant in quantum mechanics that is derived from the Planck's constant (h). It is defined as \( h_{\text{bar}} = \frac{h}{2\pi} \) where \( h \) is approximately \( 6.626 \times 10^{-34} \) Joule seconds (Js), and \( \pi \) is the mathematical constant pi (approximately 3.14159).
The significance of \( h_{\text{bar}} \) lies in its role in the quantization of physical quantities such as angular momentum. In quantum mechanics, angular momentum is quantized and expressed as multiples of \( h_{\text{bar}} \). When calculating the angular momentum of an electron in an atom, for example, the reduced Planck's constant provides the scale factor connecting the quantum numbers to the physical angular momentum. This constant is essential in understanding the atomic scale behaviors and represents a bridge between the observable macroscopic world and the quantized microscopic reality.
The significance of \( h_{\text{bar}} \) lies in its role in the quantization of physical quantities such as angular momentum. In quantum mechanics, angular momentum is quantized and expressed as multiples of \( h_{\text{bar}} \). When calculating the angular momentum of an electron in an atom, for example, the reduced Planck's constant provides the scale factor connecting the quantum numbers to the physical angular momentum. This constant is essential in understanding the atomic scale behaviors and represents a bridge between the observable macroscopic world and the quantized microscopic reality.