Question

The total value of the magnetic quantum number is

• A. \( 2n \)
• B. \( 2l \)
• C. \( 2n + 1 \)
• D. \( 2l + 1 \)

Hint:

The magnetic quantum number \( m_l \) describes the orientation of the orbital, and its total number of values is given by \( 2l + 1 \).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Magnetic Quantum Number
The magnetic quantum number (\( m_l \)) describes the orientation of an orbital around the nucleus.
The total number of possible values for the magnetic quantum number is given by the formula: \[ 2l + 1 \] Where \( l \) is the azimuthal quantum number (also called the angular momentum quantum number).
Step 2: Explanation of Other Options
Option (a) is incorrect because \( 2n \) represents the number of orbitals for the principal quantum number \( n \), not the magnetic quantum number.

Option (b) is incorrect because \( 2l \) is not the correct formula for the total number of magnetic quantum numbers.
Option (d) is incorrect because \( 2l + 1 \) is the correct formula, not \( 2l \).

Step 3: Conclusion
Thus, the total value of the magnetic quantum number is \( 2l + 1 \).