Quantum Number and Electron

Configurations
CHAPTER 3
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the chapter students will be able to:
1. Solve problem using Rydberg Equation.
2. Determine the Quantum Numbers for orbital.
3. Explain the meaning of orbital symbols.
4. Draw and write orbital diagram and electronic configuration using
correct principle.
 Nature of light

combustion

Cyalume light stick

Lightning bug
 Atom & Light
• Light is an essential tools for determining the properties of electrons.
• Light has wave-like properties (wavelength & frequency)
• Frequency – denoted by ν (nu), no. of wavelength of that wave pass
the fixed point in one unit of time (unit: s-1, Hz)
• Wavelength – denoted by λ (lambda), is a distance b/w 2 adjacent
identical point of wave
• Electromagnetic waves don’t need a medium to travel. They can cross
empty space.
• The speed of electromagnetic wave in vacuum is the same,
about 3.00 x 108 m s-1
• Velocity of electromagnetic radiation in vacuum is constant and is
called as speed of light with the symbol of c = 3.00 x 108ms-1
• Relationship to convert between λ and ν
λ x ν = c =3.00 x 108ms-1

• - ↑ wavelength, ↓ frequency
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the organism that causes tuberculosis, can
be completely destroyed by irradiation with ultraviolet light with a
wavelength of 254 nm. What is the frequency of this radiation?
Q: What is the frequency of violet light with the wavelength of 408nm?

-speed of light in vacuum: 3.00 x 108 m/s

Radio station KRED in Eureka, California, broadcasts
electromagnetic radiation at a frequency of 92.3 MHz
(megahertz). What is the wavelength of these radio waves,
expressed in meters?
Wavelength and frequency of electromagnetic
radiation cover and immerse range: visible
spectrum 400nm (violet) → 700nm (red).
However, radiation with short wavelengths can
cause serious damage (due to highly reactive
ions).
 Energy of a photon

In 1900 a German physicist named Max Planck (1858-

1947) proposed that electromagnetic radiation can be
viewed as a stream of tiny packets or quanta of energy
that were later called photons.
• Each photon travels at the speed of light. Planck proposed,
and Albert Einstein (1879-1955) confirmed, that the energy
of a photon of electromagnetic radiation is proportional to
the radiation's frequency, not to its intensity or brightness
as had been believed up to that time.

• In this expression, h is proportionally constant and we

called it as Planck constant with the value of 6.63 x 10-34 J
s
We can calculate the energy of one photon using equation

E = hν (1)
combined with equation
c=λ xν (2)
to get
E = hc / λ
 CLASSICAL THEORY
Summary of the major observations
Matter Energy and theories leading from classical
particulate, continuous theory to quantum theory.
massive , wavelike

Since matter is discontinuous and particulate

perhaps energy is discontinuous and particulate.
Energy of light, E = hν=hc/λ
Observation Theory h (Planck’s constant = 6.626 x 10-34 J s)
blackbody radiation Planck: Energy is quantized; only certain values
allowed
photoelectric effect Einstein: Light has particulate behavior (photons)
atomic line Bohr: Energy of atoms is quantized; photon
spectra emitted when electron changes orbit.

Wavelength of spectal lines : 1/λ = RH(1/n12 – 1/n22)

(RH = Rydberg constant = 1.097 x 107 m-1, n2 > n1)
 continued

Since energy is wavelike perhaps matter is wavelike

Observation Theory
Davisson/Germer: deBroglie: All matter travels in waves; energy of
electron atom is quantized due to wave motion of
diffraction electrons
by metal crystal
Since matter has mass perhaps energy has mass

Observation Theory
Compton: photon Einstein/deBroglie: Mass and energy are
wavelength increases equivalent; particles have wavelength and
(momentum decreases) photons have momentum.
after colliding with
electron
QUANTUM THEORY
QUANTUM MECHANICAL Energy same as Matter
MODEL particulate, massive, wavelike
 Hydrogen atomic spectra

• The simplest form of atomic spectra

• Balmer, Brackett, Paschen and Pfund series.
• Electron of hydrogen atom occupies certain allowed energy levels,
which designated by n, principle quantum number.
• The wavelength of spectral lines can be calculated using the Rydberg
equation.

Wavelength of spectal lines : 1/λ = RH(1/n12 – 1/n22)

(RH = Rydberg constant = 1.097 x 107 m-1, n2 > n1)
 BOHR’S THEORY OF HYDROGEN ATOM

Niels Bohr’s Atomic Model (1913)

 Electrons exist in a series of shells and has specific energy levels
 Orbit about the nucleus much like the way planets orbit the sun
 Energies of electrons are quantised
 Energy of an electron in a given shell:

 1 
En = − RH  2 
n 
17
18

Line Spectrum of Atomic Spectrum

 Line spectrum consist of discrete lines of different wavelengths (discontinuous
spectrum)
 Emission spectrum
 Produced by heating atomic vapour → electron excited → unstable → falls
to lower energy level → light emit → pass through prism → series of
wavelength lines
 Absorption spectrum
 Produced by passing the white light from a source through the unexcited
sample that absorbs certain wavelength of light → dark lines appear on the
continuous bright background
Line Spectrum of the Hydrogen Atom
 An electric discharge is passed through a gas discharge tube containing hydrogen

 The high energy electrons from the negative electrode to positive electrode collide with
the H2 molecules

 This causes the H2 molecules to dissociate into H atoms and the tube emits light

 When the emitted light is passed through a prism, the light is dispersed and separated
into its components
21

 Transitions of electrons between two energy levels produce lines

 There are several emission series of lines obtained during the transition and are
classified according to which level the electrons drop to

Series n1 n2 Spectrum region

Lyman 1 2,3,4… Ultraviolet
Balmer 2 3,4,5… Visible
Paschen 3 4,5,6… Infrared
Brackett 4 5,6,7… Infrared
Pfund 5 6,7,8… Infrared
Transitions of electrons (from n1 to n2) which
produce the lines in each series
Rydberg Equation (wavelength)

 The wavelength (λ ) of every line in the hydrogen spectrum is determine by

equation:

1 1 1
= − RH ( 2 − 2 )
λ n2 n1

λ = wavelength
RH = Rydberg’s constant (1.097x 107 m-1)
n = energy levels (n2>n1)
SAMPLE PROBLEM 2
A hydrogen atom absorbs a photon of visible light and its electron enters the n = 4 energy level. Calculate
(a) the change in energy of the atom
(b) wavelength and convert to nm

SOLUTION:
(a) n1 = 2, n2 = 4, RH = 2.18 x 10-18 J

 1 1 
∆E = − RH  2 − 2 
n n1 
 2 
1 1
∆E = −2.18 × 10 −18 J ( 2
− 2
)
4 2
1 1
∆E = −2.18 × 10 −18 J ( − )
16 4
∆E = 4.09 × 10 -19 J
SOLUTION:

(b) wavelength and convert to nm

c
∆E = hv = h
λ
c 6.63 x 10 -34 J s × 3.0 x 10 8 ms -1
λ=h =
∆E 4.09 × 10 -19 J
λ = 4.86 × 10 −7 m
= 486 nm
Example

The lines in the visible portion of the hydrogen spectrum are called Balmer series, for which
n1 = 2 in the Rydberg equation. Calculate, to four significant figures, the wavelength in the
Nanometer of the spectral line in this series for which n2 = 4

1 1 1 1
= RH (𝑛𝑛 2 - 2 ) λ= −
λ 1
𝑛𝑛2 2.056 𝑥𝑥 106 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 1

= 1.097 x 107 m-1 (1/22 – 1/42) = 4.8627 x 10-7m

= 1.097 x 107 m-1 (1/4 – 1/16)

Unit conversion
= 1.097 x 107 m-1 (0.2500 – 0.06250)
1𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛
= 4.8627 x 10-7m x −
= 2.056 x 106 m-1 10 9 𝑚𝑚

= 486.2 nm
 Test 1
Oct 2021
Q3 (b)
 Test 1
Mar 2021
Q3 (a) (b)

a) A photon has a wavelength of 624nm. Calculate the energy of the photon in joules. (2m)

b) Calculate the frequency (Hz) and the wavelength (nm) of the emitted photon when an electron
drops from the n= 4 to the n= 2 level in a hydrogen atom. (4m)
 Test 1
Oct 2020
Q3 (a) (b)

a) Define
i- Wavelength (1m)
ii- Frequency (1m)
iii- Describe the relationship between wavelength and frequency (1m)

b) An electron transit from n2= 5 and n1= 1

i- Name the series of this emission (1m)
ii- Calculate the wavelength (2m)
Final Question
Jun 2019
Q1 (d)
Final Question
Dec 2018
Q1 (b)
Final Question
July 2017
Q1 (c)
Final Question
Dec 2016
Q1 (f)
Quantum Numbers and Atomic Orbitals

An atomic orbital is specified by THREE quantum

numbers.
n the principal quantum number - a positive integer

l the angular momentum quantum number - an integer from 0 to n-1

ml the magnetic moment quantum number - an integer from -l to +l

Three quantum numbers are required to describe the

distribution of electrons in hydrogen and other atoms.

S , electron spin
 The Principle Quantum Number (n)

• The Principle Quantum Number (n) /shell can have integral values:
1,2,3..∞
• The principle quantum number is related to the size and energy of the
orbital.
• As n increases, the orbital becomes larger and the electron spends
more time further from the nucleus. An increase in n also means
higher energy, because the electron is less tightly bound to the nucleus
and the energy is less negative.
The Angular Momentum Quantum Number, l

• The Angular Momentum Quantum Number, l, tells the

“shape” of the orbitals /subshell.
• The value of l, depend on the value of the principle quantum
number, n. For a given value of n, l has possible integral
values from 0 to (n−1). If n=1, l =0 .
• The value of l is generally designated by the letters
s,p,d,….as follows:
 l 0 1 2 3 4 5
Name of orbital s p d f g h
• A collection of orbitals with the same value of n is frequently called a
shell.
• One or more orbitals with the same n and l values are referred to as
subshells.
• Exp: shell with n=2 is composed of two subshells, l = 0 and 1. These
subshells are called the 2s and 2p subshells.
What are the value of n and l for the following subshell?
a) 4d
b) 5f
c) 7s
What subshells would be found in the shells with n= 2 and n= 5? How is the
number of subshells related to n?
 The Magnetic Quantum Number, (m l )

The Magnetic Quantum Number, (m l ) can have integral values

between l and – l including 0. The values of (m l) describes the
orientation of the orbital in space.

Number of orbitals per subshell

s=1
p=3
d=5
f=7
g=9
Quantum number for the first four levels of Orbitals:

n l Orbital ml No. of
designation orbitals
1 0 1s 0 1
2 0 2s 0 1
1 2p -1,0,+1 3
3 0 3s 0 1
1 3p -1,0,+1 3
2 3d -2,-1,0,+1,+2 5
4 0 4s 0 1
1 4p -1,0,+1 3
. . . .
 Table 7.2 The Hierarchy of Quantum Numbers for Atomic Orbitals

Name, Symbol
(Property) Allowed Values Quantum Numbers

Principal, n Positive integer

1 2 3
(size, energy) (1, 2, 3, ...)

Angular
momentum, l 0 to n-1 0 0 1 0 1 2
(shape)

0 0 0
Magnetic, ml
-l,…,0,…,+l -1 0 +1 -1 0 +1
(orientation)

-2 -1 0 +1 +2
Approximate energy level diagram for atoms with two or more electrons.
The quantum numbers associated with the orbitals in the first two shells
are also shown.
Question:
Give the name, magnetic quantum numbers & no. of orbitals for each
sublevel with the given quantum no.
a) n= 3, l= 2
b) n= 2, l= 0
c) n= 5, l= 1
d) n= 4, l= 3
 The Electron Spin
Quantum Number (ms)

● Can only have one of two values, +½ and −½ which we interprets to mean that the
electron can spine in one of two opposite directions.
● Since only two values of ms are allowed, an orbital can only hold two electrons, and
they must have opposite spins.
The maximum electron population per shell is 2n2
Table 8.2 Summary of Quantum Numbers of Electrons in
Atoms

Name Symbo Permitted Values Property

l
principal n positive integers(1,2,3,…) orbital energy (size)
angular l integers from 0 to n-1 orbital shape (The l values
momentum 0, 1, 2, and 3 correspond to
s, p, d, and f orbitals,
respectively.)
magnetic ml integers from -l to 0 to +l orbital orientation

spin ms +1/2 or -1/2 direction of e- spin

 Exercises

1. Indicate the type and number of orbitals in each of the following

energy levels or sublevels (subshells):
a. 3p sublevel or subshells
b. n=2
c. n=3
d. 4d sublevel or subshells
 Electronic Configurations
(distribution of electrons among the
orbitals)

Electron configuration of hydrogen:

How to fill:
● The energy of orbitals increase 1s
as follows: 2s 2p
1s< 2s = 2p < 3s = 3p = 3d < 4s = 4p = 4d
= 4f <..
3s 3p 3d
● Figure 1 depicts the order in which 4s 4p 4d 4f
atomic orbitals are filled in a many
electron atom. 5s 5p 5d 5f
6s 6p 6d
7s 7p
 Figure 8.6
Order for filling energy sublevels with
electrons

Illustrating Orbital Occupancies

The electron configuration

# of electrons in the sublevel

Electron n l
energy as s,p,d,f
sublevels in
the order of
increasing
The orbital diagram (box or circle)
energy
 Arrangement of electrons
(Important rules)

1. Aufbau principle: Electrons fill the lowest energy level subshell first
before moving to the next level.
2. Pauli ‘s Exclusion Principle
An orbital can hold at most two electrons, and then only if the
electrons have opposite spins.
2. Hund's Rule: The rule states that when entering orbitals of identical energy,
electrons initially occupy them singly and with the same spins, that is, with
parallel spins. Once all the orbitals are singly occupied, subsequent electron
occupation will start to result in them pairing up.
 ● In an orbital diagram, boxes (or circles) represents the orbitals.
● The rules of placing electrons within shells is known as the Aufbau
principle. These rules are:
1.Electrons are placed in the lowest energetically available
subshell.
2.An orbital can hold at most 2 electrons.
3.If two or more energetically equivalent orbitals are available
(e.g., p, d etc.) then electrons should be spread out before
they are paired up (Hund's rule).

Atomic Element Orbital diagram Electron Abbreviated

number configuration configuration
3 Li ↑↓ ↑ 1s22s1 [He]2s1
6 C 1s22s22p2 [He]2s22p2
8 O 1s22s22p4 [He]2s22p4
11 Na 1s22s22p63s1 [Ne] 3s1
16 S 1s22s22p63s23p4 [Ne] 3s23p4
17 Cl 1s22s22p63s23p5 [Ne] 3s23p5
18 Ar 1s22s22p63s23p6 [Ne] 3s23p6
Sample Problem 7.5 Determining Quantum Numbers for an Energy Level

PROBLEM: What values of the angular momentum (l) and magnetic (ml)
quantum numbers are allowed for a principal quantum number (n) of
3? How many orbitals are allowed for n = 3?

PLAN: Follow the rules for allowable quantum numbers found in the text.
l values can be integers from 0 to n-1; ml can be integers from -l
through 0 to + l.

SOLUTION:For n = 3, l = 0, 1, 2

For l = 0 ml = 0

For l = 1 ml = -1, 0, or +1

For l = 2 ml = -2, -1, 0, +1, or +2

There are 9 ml values and therefore 9 orbitals with n = 3.

Sample Problem 7.6 Determining Sublevel Names and Orbital Quantum
Numbers
PROBLEM: Give the name, magnetic quantum numbers, and number of orbitals
for each sublevel with the following quantum numbers:
(a) n = 3, l = 2 (b) n = 2, l = 0 (c) n = 5, l = 1 (d) n = 4, l = 3

PLAN: Combine the n value and l designation to name the sublevel.

Knowing l, we can find ml and the number of orbitals.

SOLUTION:
n l sublevel name possible ml values # of orbitals

(a) 3 2 3d -2, -1, 0, 1, 2 5

(b) 2 0 2s 0 1
(c) 5 1 5p -1, 0, 1 3
(d) 4 3 4f -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 7
SAMPLE PROBLEM 8.1 Determining Quantum Numbers from Orbital
Diagrams
PROBLEM: Write a set of quantum numbers for the third electron and a set
for the eighth electron of the F atom.

PLAN: Use the orbital diagram to find the third and eighth electrons.

9
F
1s 2s 2p

SOLUTION: The third electron is in the 2s orbital. Its quantum numbers are

n 2 l= 0 ml = 0 ms= + or -
= 1/2
The eighth electron is in a 2p orbital. Its quantum numbers are

n 2 l= 1 ml = -1, 0, or +1 ms= + or -
= 1/2
 SAMPLE PROBLEM 8.2 Determining Electron Configuration

PROBLEM: Using the periodic table on the inside cover of the text (not Figure
8.12 or Table 8.4), give the full and condensed electrons
configurations, partial orbital diagrams showing valence electrons,
and number of inner electrons for the following elements:
(a) potassium (K: Z = 19) (b) molybdenum (Mo: Z = 42) (c) lead (Pb: Z = 82)

PLAN: Use the atomic number for the number of electrons and the periodic
table for the order of filling for electron orbitals. Condensed
configurations consist of the preceding noble gas and outer electrons.
SOLUTION:
(a) for K (Z = 19)
full configuration 1s22s22p63s23p64s1
condensed configuration [Ar] 4s1
partial orbital diagram There are 18 inner
electrons.

4s1 3d 4p
SAMPLE PROBLEM 8.2

continued
(b) for Mo (Z = 42)
full configuration 1s22s22p63s23p64s23d104p65s14d5
condensed configuration [Kr] 5s14d5
partial orbital diagram There are 36 inner electrons
and 6 valence electrons.

5s1 4d5 5p
(c) for Pb (Z = 82)
full configuration 1s22s22p63s23p64s23d104p65s24d105p66s24f145d106p2
condensed configuration [Xe] 6s24f145d106p2
partial orbital diagram
There are 78 inner electrons
and 4 valence electrons.

6s2 6p2
Paramagnetic vs Diamagnetic
Paramagnetic: Substance containing unpaired electrons
Diamagnetic: All electrons are paired and not attracted to a magnet

Mg (12)

Mn (25)

Ni (28)

Zn (30)
Figure 7.17

1s 2s 3s
Figure 7.18

The 2p orbitals.
Figure 7.19 The 3d orbitals.
Figure 7.19
continued
74 Test 1
Mac 2022
Q3 (a)
75 Test 1
Mac 2022
Q3 (b)
76 Test 1
Oct 2021
Q3 (a)
 Test 1
Mar 2021
Q3 (c) (d) (e)
c) Write the electron configuration of elements with the following atomic numbers.(3m)
i- 20
ii- 26
iii- 33

d) What is the maximum number of electrons in an atom that can have the following quantum numbers? (3m)
i- n = 3, l = 2
ii- n = 4, ml = +1
iii- n = 2, ms = +½

e) Vanadium is a transition metal, and it has oxidation state of +5, +4, +3 and +2. Draw the orbital diagram of
V+4 and identify whether V+4 is paramagnetic or diamagnetic. (3m)
 Test 1
Oct 2020
Q3 (c)

c) An atomic orbital is specified based on four (4) quantum numbers.

i- Write a set of quantum number for 4f orbital (2m)

ii- How many electrons can be occupied by the following sets of quantum numbers (2m)
a- n = 4, l = 1
b- n =5, l = 1, ml = -1
 Test 1
Oct 2020
Q3 (d) (e)
d) Write the spdf notation for the following atoms (2m)
i- Pd(II)

ii- Ca2+

e) Use an orbital diagram to describe the electron configuration of the valence shell of the following elements.
i- Te

ii- Mo

iii- How many electrons that Te should lose to become diamagnetic?

 Final Question
Jan 2020
Q1 (e)

e) Consider the chemical symbols of aluminium ion (Al3+)

i) Write the electron configuration using subshell notation for the above ion

ii) Determine the maximum number of electron in the aluminium atom that have the quantum number
of n=3 and ml=0

iii) state the number of unpaired electrons that are present in the atomic orbital of an aluminium atom.
Final Question
Jun 2019
Q1 (e)
Final Question
Dec 2018
Q1 (c)
Final Question
Jun 2018
Q1 (b)
Final Question
Jan 2018
Q1 (d)
Final Question
Dec 2016
Q1 (g)