Which one of the following sets of quantum numbers can correctly represent a 3p orbital?
(A) (n = 3 l = 1, ml = 2)
(B)(n = 1, l = 3, ml = 3)
(C) (n = 3, l = 2, ml = 1)
(D) (n = 3, l = 1, ml = -1)
Correct option is (D) (n = 3, l = 1, ml = -1). Explanation: This is because a 3p orbital must have n = 3.
That eliminates Option (b), because it has n = 1
A p orbital must have l = 1.
That eliminates Options (c), and (e), because they have l = 2, and 0
The mₗ is required to be an integer satisfying −l ≤ m ≤ l, so mₗ could be any of −1, 0, or +1.
That eliminates Option (a), because they have mₗ = 2