The quantum numbers that describe an electron in a 2p orbital are as follows:
Principal Quantum Number (n): The principal quantum number determines the energy level or shell of the electron. For a 2p orbital, the value of n is 2.
Azimuthal Quantum Number (ℓ): The azimuthal quantum number defines the orbital shape or subshell. For a 2p orbital, the value of ℓ is 1.
Magnetic Quantum Number (mℓ): The magnetic quantum number specifies the orientation or magnetic behavior of the orbital within a subshell. For a 2p orbital, the possible values of mℓ are -1, 0, and 1.
Spin Quantum Number (ms): The spin quantum number describes the spin state of an electron within an orbital. It can have one of two values: +1/2 or -1/2, representing the two possible spin orientations.
To summarize, the possible quantum numbers for an electron in a 2p orbital are:
- Principal Quantum Number (n) = 2
- Azimuthal Quantum Number (ℓ) = 1
- Magnetic Quantum Number (mℓ) = -1, 0, 1
- Spin Quantum Number (ms) = +1/2 or -1/2