Quantum number of Oxygen
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Oxygen (O) has an atomic number of 8, which means it has 8 electrons. The quantum numbers for these electrons describe their positions and energy levels within an atom. Each electron is described by four quantum numbers: principal quantum number ((n)), azimuthal quantum number ((l)), magnetic quantum number ((m_l)), and spin quantum number ((m_s)).
- Principal Quantum Number ((n)): This number indicates the energy level and distance of the electron from the nucleus. For oxygen, the electrons are arranged in energy levels. The first energy level (K shell) has 2 electrons ((n=1)), and the second energy level (L shell) has the remaining 6 electrons ((n=2)).
- Azimuthal Quantum Number ((l)): This number indicates the shape of the orbital. For (n=1), (l=0) (s orbital), and for (n=2), the possible values of (l) are 0 (s) and 1 (p). The first 2 electrons occupy the (1s) orbital (where (l=0)), while the next 6 electrons occupy the (2s) and (2p) orbitals. The configuration is (2s^2 2p^4).
- Magnetic Quantum Number ((m_l)): This number indicates the orientation of the orbital. For (l=0) (s orbital), (m_l) can only be 0. For (l=1) (p orbital), (m_l) can be -1, 0, or +1, corresponding to the three p orbitals: (p_x), (p_y), and (p_z).
- Spin Quantum Number ((m_s)): This number describes the spin of the electron, which can be +1/2 or -1/2. Each orbital can hold two electrons with opposite spins.
For oxygen, the distribution of electrons and their quantum numbers is:
- 1st electron: (n=1), (l=0), (m_l=0), (m_s=+\frac{1}{2}) (1s)
- 2nd electron: (n=1), (l=0), (m_l=0), (m_s=-\frac{1}{2}) (1s)
- 3rd electron: (n=2), (l=0), (m_l=0), (m_s=+\frac{1}{2}) (2s)
- 4th electron: (n=2), (l=0), (m_l=0), (m_s=-\frac{1}{2}) (2s)
- 5th electron: (n=2), (l=1), (m_l=-1), (m_s=+\frac{1}{2}) (2p)
- 6th electron: (n=2), (l=1), (m_l=0), (m_s=-\frac{1}{2}) (2p)
- 7th electron: (n=2), (l=1), (m_l=+1), (m_s=+\frac{1}{2}) (2p)
- 8th electron: (n=2), (l=1), (m_l=+1), (m_s=-\frac{1}{2}) (2p)
In summary, the quantum numbers of oxygen’s electrons define their arrangement in orbitals and contribute to its chemical properties.